Nadeem is content enough with the small perks he gets as the oldest child laborer (about 11) in a small Pakistani rug factory. Then he learns that a school is opening nearby for the child slaves and that it\'s unlawful for factory owners to keep children from attending. He wants to go to the school, especially after Iqbal Masih (a real life former laborer--please google him) visits the factory to inspire them. Nadeem especially wants his little brother to have a better life than his. But when he confronts the factory owner, he is beaten and chained to his loom. He loses hope, and faith in Iqbal. Then, the laborers find out that Iqbal was assassinated for gaining international acclaim for exposing child labor in Pakistan. Igbal's death gives Nadeem new courage, and he leads his fellow workers in a dash to the school and to a new future.
Unfortunately, children's rights is still a DISASTROUS PROBLEM in our world. This is a glimpse that can motive readers to use some of the resources in the back matter of the book. There are few children's books set in East Asia. The illustrations and story details help to illuminate life in a small town.
The books is only available used. I'm working on e-rights!
PW did a half-page story on the book, and there are great reviews by Booklist and SLJ on Amazon.
Marian Wright Edelman, Pres. of Children's Defense Fund and former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services wrote: This book's important message about what childhood is like in many places in our world is a cause for reflection and encouragement. It shows how even very big problems can be tackled when children work together to make a difference.
Philip Hoose, author of We Were There Too! Young People in U.S. History: The suspenseful story of Nadeem is important and well-told. Ending child labor is everyone's issue. This superb book is a powerful tool for helping young readers stand up for freedom and against injustice.
