Right to Play

\tDutch author Goossens chronicles the efforts of the humanitarian organization Right to Play, founded by former Olympic speed skater Johann Olav Koss, which provides sporting equipment, games, and other supplies to children in impoverished communities. Through her vivid first-person narrative and lively photographs, Goossens documents how teachers and community leaders use Right to Play’s resources not just to bring joy into children’s lives, but also as tools for teaching them about health, personal responsibility, and cooperation. For example, Jewish and Arab children in Israel, normally segregated, team up to create a human obstacle course, and in Mali, a game introduced during a measles vaccination campaign educates players about how the immune system works. This is an uplifting and eye-opening account of how collaboration and commitment can lead to positive change. Ages 10–up. (Dec.)