Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s Fight to End Child Labor by Srividhya Venkat and Danica da Silva Pereira is a new picture biography detailing the work of the Indian children’s rights activist. Readers begin our look at Satyarthi’s life with a story in a story. As a young child, Satyarthi listened to a folktale about a little hummingbird who attempts to put out a forest fire one tiny beak of water at a time. He never forgot the message that even the smallest among us can do great things.
From a young age, Satyarthi noticed that while he went to school, other children his age worked. By the age of ten he was raising money to pay the school fees of children whose families could not afford to do so. His compassion for this cause continued into adulthood, fighting for children forced to work in factories to be freed, advocating for new child labor laws, and setting up centers where victims of child labor could recover. Recognition for his work includes a Nobel Peace Prize.
Although this book covers difficult and complex topics, Srividhya Venkat’s explanations are clear, developmentally appropriate, and illuminating. The tone is hopeful, focusing on how one person could make a difference in the lives of others. The text is beautifully matched with illustrations by Danica da Silva Pereira in pinks, purples, and teals that depict distressing situations in a way that will not overwhelm the child reader.
An author’s note goes into greater detail about Kailash Satyarthi’s work and about specific initiatives and organizations he is responsible for including the Save Childhood Movement, Goodweave, and the Global March Against Child Labor. This treasure trove of information prompted me to want to learn more about this inspiring figure. The back matter also enriches the main narrative by discussing child labor today and the caste system, as well as providing a selected bibliography and suggestions for further reading. This book is a must for libraries and a great addition to classrooms studying issues of labor and social justice.
Author Srividhya Venkat is kindly offering a 30-minute AMA OR a signed copy of the book (U.S. mailing addresses only) to one lucky Picture Book Builders reader. Please comment on this post to enter.
This sounds amazing! I need to learn more about Kailash! Thanks for sharing this book.
An amazing ro!e model!
I can’t wait to learn more about this inspiring man. I’d love to win a copy to read. Thank you for sharing!
What a great book to know about – thanks for sharing!
The story of the little hummingbird — yes. The stories we are told in childhood matter — including this one! What a wonderful child, to not only see his schoolmates in all their humanity but do actually take action to support them. Can’t wait to read the book — and I’m already inspired to find out more!
Thankyou for sharing this wonderful book that sounds truly enriching and inspiriing. I will ask my library to make a new purchase.
Such an important book with a powerful message!
This book seems as much for adults as children since it covers a topic we aren’t typically exposed to. I look forward to reading this important book. Thanks for making us aware.
Wow Sara! What an amazing story. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know about it and I grew up in India. And what a perfect choice to begin with the story of the hummingbird–it draws the child reader immediately into the greater story. Thanks for showcasing this important book.
Such an amazing story. I enjoyed reading this post about Kailash Satyarthi and his outstanding work campaigning against child labor in India. I look forward to reading this biography with a story within a story. Thank you, Sara.
I can hardly wait to read about this remarkable man.
Book looks great!`