Ken Beller

Originally written for ReaderViews

We live in a world of violence. From war, to domestic abuse, to drive-by-shootings, to verbal abuse, many people make the choice to commit violence each and every day. This same violence is witnessed by children, day in and day out. In such a world, how can a child make good decisions regarding violence? Obviously parents and teachers can explain the need for resisting violent behavior, they can even live out those examples. Sometimes, however, these examples are not enough, children need to be exposed to numerous positive role models, people who made the choice to act out peace every day, particularly people whose success in life is rooted in their non-violent choices.

“Great Peacemakers” is an attempt to provide children (and adults) with non-violent role models. The book is divided into five sections with four biographies per section. Each section is meant to represent a different avenue of peacemaking: choosing nonviolence; living peace; honoring diversity; valuing all life; and caring for the planet.

For an uplifting read when the world seems dark, you can’t miss with “Great Peacemakers.”

For the full review:
http://www.devourerofbooks.com/2008/09/great-peacemakers-book-review/… (mehr)