Free? (Amnesty International)

In 1948, the United Nations created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, based particularly on the events in Nazi Germany that led up to World War II. This document contains 30 rights to which every human on the planet is entitled, no matter their situation. But even though we have come far since World War II, some of these concerns still exist today.

"Free?" is a collection of 14 thought-provoking short stories, by writers such as Margaret Mahy and Patricia McCormick, that were inspired by the millions of people who, more than 60 years after the declaration was adopted, are still denied the privileges they deserve. These fictional representations of human rights violations are inspirational, clever and moralistic. Set in both past and present, the subjects range from modern day slavery and child labor to civil liberties and immigration rights.

At the end of each story, the author explains how the tale is relevant to a specific article in the declaration, as well as what true event, if any, it is based on.

For further reference, the book has a simplified version of the document along with biographies of the author and information on the philosophy of Amnesty International and the importance of "justice, fairness, freedom, and truth." The foreword was written by acclaimed author Jacqueline Wilson.

This is fantastic book for young adults to become more familiar with human rights, and a satisfying read in general. Ages 11 and up.