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Children's needs and rights are interdependent to sustainable development. This is the central argument for a new report from UNICEF, "Sustainable Development Starts and Ends With Safe, Healthy, and Well-Educated Children," which makes the case for purposefully considering children in the post-2015 development agenda in which sustainable development is a core tenet. Divided into three parts, the report first provides the context: how and why children are central to the concept, principles and future progress of sustainable development, and why sustainable development is essential for children and their future. The second part conveys three key messages for those involved in deciding upon the Post-2015 Development agenda. Subsequently, the third and final part of the report provides supporting evidence and recommendations on how children's rights and well-being can be integrated within future development goals. The three key messages that the report highlights for decision-makers to actively consider are: 1. Sustainable Development starts with safe, healthy, and well-educated children 2. Safe and sustainable societies are, in turn, essential for children 3. Children's voices, choices, and participation are critical for the sustainable future we want. Sustainable development is an integrated approach that considers the complex societal, economic, environmental, and governance challenges that directly impact the lives of the world's children. According to the report, which is described as a "call to action," the Post-2015 Development Agenda is a unique opportunity to aspire to a world truly "fit for children."

National Geographic, Every Human Has Rights: What You Need to Know About Your Human Rights (National Geographic Children's Books, 2008). Age Level: 10 and up Publisher Description: The 30 rights set down in 1948 by the United Nations are incredibly powerful. According to the U.N., every human-just by virtue of being human-is entitled to freedom, a fair government, a decent standard of living, work, play, and education, freedom to come and go as we please and to associate with anyone we please, and the right to express ourselves freely. Every Human Has Rights offers kids an accessibly written list of these rights, commentary-much of it deeply emotional-by other kids, and richly evocative photography illustrating each right. At the end of this deceptively simple book, kids will know-and feel-that regardless of individual differences and circumstances, each person is valuable and worthy of respect.

Judith Llyod Yero, American Documents: The Bill of Rights (National Geographic Children's Books, 2006). Age Level: 10 and up Publisher Description: Judith Llyod Yero's thought-provoking text, coupled with carefully selected images from the past and present, challenge young readers to carefully examine and understand the Constitution's first ten Amendments, which guarantee their basic human rights. In addition to defining these rights, Yero puts them into the context of present-day life so that kids will recognize that the Bill of Rights is as important to their daily lives as it was to the lives of the first citizens of the newly independent United States. Included in the back matter are the full text of the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Rights of the Stamp Act Congress, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and the Miranda Rights.

Amnesty International, We Are All Born Free Mini Edition: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Pictures (London: Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2011). Age Level: 6-9 Publisher Description: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed on 10th December 1948. It was compiled after World War Two to declare and protect the rights of all people from all countries. This beautiful collection, published 60 years on, celebrates each declaration with an illustration by an internationally-renowned artist or illustrator and is the perfect gift for children and adults alike.

Angela Johnson, A Sweet Smell of Roses (New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2007). Age Level: 5 and up Publisher Description: There's a sweet, sweet smell in the air as two young girls sneak out of their house, down the street, and across town to where men and women are gathered, ready to march for freedom and justice. Inspired by countless children and young adults who took a stand, two Coretta Scott King honorees offer a heart-lifting glimpse of children's roles in the civil rights movement.

David J Smith and Shelagh Armstrong, This Child, Every Child: A Book about the World's Children (Tonawanda: Kids Can Press, 2011). Age Level: 8 and up Grade Level: 3 and up Publisher Description: A groundbreaking book of statistics and stories that compare the lives of children around the world today. Every second of every day, four more children are added to the world's population of over 2.2 billion children. Some of these 2.2 billion children will be cared for and have enough to eat and a place to call home. Many others will not be so fortunate. The bestselling author-illustrator team behind the phenomenal If the World Were a Village and If America Where a Village return with a revealing and beautifully illustrated glimpse into the lives of children around the world. This Child, Every Child uses statistics and stories to draw kids into the world beyond their own borders and provide a window into the lives of their fellow children. As young readers will discover, there are striking disparities in the way children live. Some children lack opportunities that others take for granted. What is it like to be a girl in Niger? How are some children forced into war? How do children around the world differ in their home and school lives? This Child, Every Child answers such questions and sets children's lives against the rights they are guaranteed under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Organization Affiliation: CitizenKid

Kathleen Krull and Yuyi Morales, Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez (Boston: Harcourt Children's Books, 2003). Age Level:6 and up Grade Level: 1 and up Publisher Description: Cesar Chavez is known as one of America's greatest civil rights leaders. When he led a 340-mile peaceful protest march through California, he ignited a cause and improved the lives of thousands of migrant farmworkers. But Cesar wasn't always a leader. As a boy, he was shy and teased at school. His family slaved in the fields for barely enough money to survive. Cesar knew things had to change, and he thought that maybe he could help change them. So he took charge. He spoke up. And an entire country listened.