Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi's Fight to End Child Labor

by Srividhya Venkat, Danica da Silva Pereira (Illustrator)

Overview

The inspiring story of Kailash Satyarthi, whose lifelong battle against child labor garnered him to a Nobel Peace Prize alongside Malala Yousafzai in 2014.

"My only aim in life is that every child is free to be a child."

Kailash Satyarthi has fought injustice his whole life. As a young boy, he raised money so poor children could attend school. When he was a teen, combatted caste discrimination by sharing a meal with "untouchables." And as an adult, he fought against child labor and for increased education, ultimely rescuing hundreds of thousands of children worldwide. In 2014, he was recognized for his efforts, winning a Nobel Peace Prize alongside Malala Yousafzai. This inspiring picture book shows that anyone can strive for change in their community that make a big difference around the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781499815702
Publisher:	little bee books
Publication date:	07/23/2024
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	43 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Srividhya Venkat is children's author and former early childhood educator who strongly believes in the power of books and stories. While she likes to write stories that bring out the nuances of her Asian Indian upbringing, she is also inspired by her experience of living in three different countries. In addition, she enjoys performing oral storytelling for children. When not reading or writing, Srividhya loves to listen to music, tinker with new recipes, and explore the world outside her window. She currently resides in the Chicago area with her family.

Danica da Silva Pereira is an illustrator born and bred in the tropical state of Goa, India, and currently based in the historical town of Cambridge, UK. After completing her Bachelors in Fine Arts, she worked as a graphic designer and illustrator. Danica has recently graduated with an MA in Children's Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art, UK. Her work is influenced by documentaries and she is passionate about representing diversity and advocating for environmental causes.

Editorial Reviews

This memorable account of a remarkable life is told incrementally, "little by little, drop by drop." Through uncluttered text and buoyant illustrations, Seeker of Truth opens doors to thoughtful conversations about real-life injustice.

ILA Social Justice Award winning author of Book Un Uma Krishnaswami

Seeker of Truth is an essential story about a global leader that will empower children to think about how they can help change the world for the better, "little by little, drop by drop." Srividhya Venkat explains a complex problem in the most child-friendly way, and her powerful words pair beautifully with the warm, dreamy tones and textures of Danica da Silva Pereira's illustrations. Together they perfectly capture the gentle demeanor of Kailash Satyarthi, his bold dreams, and the actions he has taken to make them come true for himself and for children around the world. Inspiring.

author of The Traveling Camera: Lewis Hine and Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs

Seeker of Truth is a tribute to a fascinating man whose gifts are compassion and perseverance.

Newbery Honor winning author of The Surrender Tree Margarita Engle

In this moving picture-book biography, Venkat tells the inspiring story of Satyarthi's determined work for change, which began with compassionate actions and led to worldwide awareness.

Booklist

★ 06/07/2024

Gr 2–5—Informative and brilliant in concept and design, this book follows the unfolding of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Kailash Satyarthi's life, "little by little," his incredible acts mimicking the hummingbird he once heard about in a story as a boy. As a fire burned and animals fled, a single hummingbird raced back and forth with water, "drop by drop," and he was amazed "that even small creatures could do big things." The repetition of this idea grounds this biography as Satyarthi learns, grows, and fights for others in India. A muted, sensory palette of varied colors, dominated by pinks, blues, and browns, establishes the historical setting, using text size and format for impact. Initially, Satyarthi wonders why some children work instead of go to school like him, and dwells on the Dalits in the caste system: "How can I alone make a difference?" He bucks his family's expectations, his society's norms, and begins to take action that led to new child labor laws in India and other countries. Discussion of child labor in the story is appropriate, but very young children may need more context. Back matter includes notes from the author about Satyarthi, the caste system, child labor today, a selected bibliography, and further reading. VERDICT A highly readable biography about an inspiring man, this is a first pick for all libraries.—Rachel Zuffa

School Library Journal