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Global Action Week is an annual week of action that calls attention to the urgent need to invest in the future of the millions of out-of-school children around the world. Global Action Week activities take place in more than 100 countries as part of a coordinated effort by the Global Campaign for Education. Global Action Week 2013 in 2013 is April 20-26, and focuses on the importance of educators if we are to ensure a quality education for all. Over 200 million children under the age of 5 in low- and middle-income countries will not attain their development potential due to poverty, nutritional deficiencies, and inadequate care and learning opportunities.

Katie Smith Milway and Sylvie Daigneault, The Good Garden: How One Family Went from Hunger to Having Enough (Tonawanda: Kids Can Press, 2010). Age Level: 8 and up Grade Level: 3 and up Publisher Description: From the best-selling author of One Hen comes the inspiring story of one struggling farming family in Honduras and their journey to growing enough food to meet their needs. Based on the real story of farm transformation underway in Honduras and many other countries, this book offers children ways they can be part of the movement to grow "good gardens" and foster food security. Eleven year old Mara Luz and her family live on a small farm. This year their crop is poor, and they may not have enough to eat or to sell for other essentials, such as health care, school uniforms and books. When Mara's father must leave home to find work, she is left in charge of their garden. Then a new teacher comes to Mara's school and introduces her to sustainable farming practices that yield good crops. As Mara begins to use the same methods at home, she too sees improvements, which allow her family to edge their way out of the grip of the greedy "coyotes" the middlemen who make profits on the backs of poor farmers. Little by little, the farms and the hopes of Mara and her neighbors are transformed as good gardens begin to grow. Organization Affiliation: CitizenKid

Katie Smith Milway and Eugene Fernandes, One Hen (Tonawanda: Kids Can Press Ltd., 2008). Age Level: 8 and up Publisher Description: Inspired by true events, One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many. After his father died, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother collect firewood to sell at the market. When his mother receives a loan from some village families, she gives a little money to her son. With this tiny loan, Kojo buys a hen. A year later, Kojo has built up a flock of 25 hens. With his earnings Kojo is able to return to school. Soon Kojo's farm grows to become the largest in the region. Kojo's story is inspired by the life of Kwabena Darko, who as a boy started a tiny poultry farm just like Kojo's, which later grew to be the largest in Ghana, and one of the largest in west Africa. Kwabena also started a trust that gives out small loans to people who cannot get a loan from a bank. One Hen shows what happens when a little help makes a big difference. This help comes in the form of a microloan, a lending system for people in developing countries who have no collateral and no access to conventional banking. Microloans have begun to receive more media attention in recent years. In 2006 Muhammad Yunus, a Bangledeshi economist who pioneered microloan banking, won the Nobel Peace Prize.The final pages of One Hen explain the microloan system and include a list of relevant organizations for children to explore. Organization Affiliation: CitizenKid

Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter, Beatrice's Goat (New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2001). Age Level: 4 and up Publisher Description: More than anything, Beatrice longs to be a schoolgirl. But in her small African village, only children who can afford uniforms and books can go to school. Beatrice knows that with six children to care for, her family is much too poor. But then Beatrice receives a wonderful gift from some people far away -- a goat! Fat and sleek as a ripe mango, Mugisa (which means "luck") gives milk that Beatrice can sell. With Mugisa's help, it looks as if Beatrice's dream may come true after all. Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter beautifully recount this true story about how one child, given the right tools, is able to lift her family out of poverty. Thanks to Heifer Project International -- a charitable organization that donates livestock to poor communities around the world -- other families like Beatrice's will also have a chance to change their lives.

Donald, Rhonda Lucas. Recycling (True Books: Environment). New York, NY: Children's Press, 2001. Age Range: 7 and up Publisher's Description: Ideal for today's young investigative reader, each A True Book includes lively sidebars, a glossary and index, plus a comprehensive "To Find Out More" section listing books, organizations, and Internet sites. A staple of library collections since the 1950s, the new A True Book series is the definitive nonfiction series for elementary school readers.