Hundreds of international scholars from diverse disciplines and six volume editors contribute to the signed entries of this original and up-to-date encyclopedia that explores the issues that children face worldwide. This set advances the multidisciplinary field of children's studies, bringing together a wide range of research with special focus on the ideas of children's rights codified by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. . . . An extraordinary consistent writing style is maintained across all volumes as each entry places the issues not only within a larger social and cultural context, but also within a historical context. Extensive resource lists including citations for books, videos, Web sites, and organizations conclude each entry. In addition, maps, a variety of tables, and a comprehensive index are included. Although this set offers a broad range of information in concentrated form, its heavy focus on statistical information provide by the United Nations and other international bodies makes it a great resource both for ready reference and for those seeking broad research overviews. It will interest those involved in any discipline that focuses on children's lives. Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers.

Choice

In six volumes, general editor Epstein elucidates a wealth of knowledge on major interdisciplinary subjects of a global scale relating to children. Each volume editor covers a region of the worldAsia and Oceania, Central and South America, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, North America and the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africacontributing to the overall level of international scholarship and collaboration required for such a work. Childrens rights as enunciated by the UN Conventions on the Rights of Children lay the groundwork for the topics covered here, among them child soldiering and trafficking, education, health, religious life, and growing up in the 21st century. The works logical organization by region, inclusion of a selected bibliography and an index, and listing of suggested readings, web sites, and both governmental and nongovernmental organizations make it an essential resource….Clearly written, this is an accessible reference tool for undergraduates; its global and interdisciplinary nature makes it a fine choice as well for graduates, researchers, and scholars seeking to contribute to the field. [Available electronically through Greenwood Digital Collection.]

Library Journal

Each book begins with the same preface, which includes a discussion of the United Nations codification of childrens rights. The work goes on to examine the state of childhood globally, with each volume boasting an introduction by an expert on children in the relevant part of the world. An impressive array of authorities in the fields of education, psychology, social work, and history provide a wealth of knowledge about critical issues related to the growth and development of young people. Profiles and maps of each country create a context for understanding the issues. Famine, warfare, child labor, gang violence, and other issues that impact childhood are explored with current data and extensive references and resources. The writing and style are straightforward enough for high school research.

School Library Journal

[A]n impressive six-volume set that aims to provide a comprehensive summary of issues related to the lives of children around the world. . . . Ultimately, the strength of the Encyclopedia lies in its organization, which emphasizes the importance of understanding children within the cultural contexts in which they live.

College & Research Libraries

This is a major work that will be a very good starting place to learn about children's issues. It is highly recommended.

ARBA

[A]mbitious . . . . this valuable guide provides a comprehensive approach to children's issues worldwide.

Lawrence Looks at Books