Author: DK Publishing
Publisher: DK Children, 2005
Ages 4-8
Created in conjunction with UNICEF, A Life Like Mine introduces the reader to eighteen children from several different countries and provides a glimpse into what life is like for different children around the world. The book features beautiful photographs of the children going about their daily lives.
Author: Anno, Mitsumasa; illus. Raymond Briggs, et al
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile, 1999
Ages 4-8
Illustrated by ten artists from around the world, including Eric Carle and Raymond Briggs, this book shows the activities of children from various parts of the world over a 24-hour period.
Author: Simon, Norma; illus. Diane Paterson
Publisher: Shen’s Books, 1999
Ages 4-8
Using colorful illustrations and a reassuring tone, All Kinds of Children celebrates the basic needs and similarities among children of all cultures. Questions are incorporated into the text to involve the reader and help them make personal comparisons.
Author: De Brunhoff, Laurent
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2005
Ages 4-8
Join Babar and Queen Celeste as they embark on a tour of the world and its many cultures! Babar’s trip includes stops in India, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, and many other countries, providing a glimpse into how diverse our world truly is.
Author: Ajmera, Maya
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing, 2006
Ages 4-8
Using photographs of children from various parts of the world paired with the words of Mr. Rogers, Be My Neighbor emphasizes the concept of community and encourages children to view even those who live far away as neighbors and to respect their similarities and differences.
Author: Montanari, Donata
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2008
Ages 4-8
Children Around The World allows the reader to take an armchair trip around the globe to meet children from twelve different countries and learn about many aspects of their lives including their schools, food, language, and families. The book features unique collage illustrations created with fabric, paper, mesh, string, and felt.
Author: Ajmera, Maya
Publisher: Shakti for Children, 2001
Ages 9-12
Written by the founder of the Global Fund for Children, Children from Australia to Zimbabwe introduces the reader to children from 25 different countries through beautiful, full color photos. Each country profiled includes a map, favorite sports, a fact about the environment, and the number of children who live there. Additional resources and activities are listed in the afterword to help children further explore other cultures.
Capstone Press
Ages 4-8
Each book in Capstone’s Countries of the World series focuses on a different country and provides information about its culture, landscape, geography, economics, and more.
Part of the United Nations “Cyber School Bus,” this site allows you to click on the name of a country to get basic information about its geography, flag, currency, etc. There are also links to each country’s local newspapers to find out more about news and current events.
Created by the Internet Public Library, kids can join Ophelia Owl and Parsifal Penguin as they learn about many of the world’s cultures through activities, games, folk tales, and recipes.
Benchmark Books
Ages 9-12
Each book in the Cultures of the World series presents an overview of a specific country along with facts about the country’s history, government, languages, etc.
Publisher: Carus Publishing
Ages 9 and up
Faces is a multicultural children’s magazine that helps kids understand how people in other countries and cultures live. Each issue focuses on a different culture and includes interesting articles, photos, stories, and folk tales.
This informational website provides facts and intriguing articles about countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America. A great resource for families traveling to another country for the first time, the site includes guides to activities and points of interest in each country.
Ages 2-7
Each DVD in the Global Wonders series introduces children to a different country through music, lessons in language, and information about culture and customs. Included in the series are programs on India, Mexico, and one on several different cultures called “Around the World.”
Author: Freeman, Dena
Publisher: DK Children, 2003
Ages 4-8
Organized by cultural or ethnic group, How People Live provides a brief introduction to the languages, beliefs, traditions, and customs of many cultures around the globe. The book is not all-inclusive, but does include information on many little-known cultural groups.
Author: Smith, David; illus. Shelagh Armstrong
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd., 2002
Ages 9-12
If The World Were A Village encourages children to imagine the world’s population of over six billion people as a village of only 100 people, providing scaled-down statistics that are easier for children to grasp. For example, in this global village of 100, 22 people speak Chinese, 17 cannot read or write, etc.
Author: All by Braman, Arlette N. except Kids Around the World Celebrate! By Lynda Jones
Publisher: All published by Wiley, except Kids Around the World Cook! published by Jossey-Bass
Ages 9-12
The Kids Around the World series features recipes, games, crafts, and activities children can do to learn about other cultures and the world around them. Instructions are accompanied by facts and historical information. The series is an excellent “hands-on” way for children to develop interest in and respect for other cultures.
Publisher: Crabtree Publishing Company
Ages 9-12
Using colorful photos and informative text, the Lands, Peoples, and Cultures series of books provides elementary school readers with an introduction to life in several different countries.
Author: Menzel, Peter
Publisher: Sierra Club Books, 1995
Young Adult
Created in honor of the United Nations-sponsored International Year of the Family in 1994, Material World is a photographic portrait of life in 30 nations. Each section focuses on an example of what is considered an average family in that particular country, and provides a glimpse of the family’s work, home, and material possessions.
Author: Perkins, Mitali
Publisher: Laurel Leaf, 2006
Young Adult
When 15-year-old Jazz learns that her mother has received a grant to establish a clinic at an orphanage in India and that she must spend her summer vacation there helping, she is extremely unhappy. However, her experiences in India and the friends she makes there help Jazz realize that she has the power to help others in need.
National Geographic Children's Books
Ages 9-12
Published by National Geographic, the Countries of the World series provides a basic overview of several different countries’ geography, environment, history, culture, government, and economy. A section at the end of the book includes web addresses and other resources in case the reader wants to do additional research.
National Geographic Kids: People and Places
This National Geographic site features profiles of several different countries and the people who live there, as well as photos, maps, videos and e-cards that kids can send to their friends.
Author: Various
Publisher: Viking Juvenile, 2003
Young Adult
Open Your Eyes features true accounts of travel to faraway places from writers like Lowis Lowry, Susie Morgenstern, Katherine Paterson, Graham Salisbury, and Jean Fritz. The collection of stories emphasizes how exposure to other cultures is often a life-changing experience.
Author: Mason, Antony
Publisher: Kingfisher, 2002
Ages 9-12
By examining the daily lives of many of the diverse peoples and cultures that make up our world, this reference guide for elementary and middle school students encourages global understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
Author: Rogers, Lynn Platt
Publisher: Infinity Publishing, 2003
Young Adult
As the daughter of a CIA agent, Lynn Platt Rogers spent her childhood all over the world. Sticky Situations is an often humorous autobiographical account of Rogers’ experiences living in other countries, including Austria, Laos, and France.
Publisher: Greenwood Press
Young Adult
Ever wonder what it would be like to be a teenager in another part of the world? The Teen Life Around the World series of books introduces the reader to teens growing up in other countries and demonstrates how different - and similar - their lives are. Included in the series are books on the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Author: Editors of Time for Kids Magazine
Publisher: Time for Kids, 2007
Ages 9-12
This atlas from the editors of Time for Kids Magazine includes maps of all seven continents and information about every country, along with full-color photos and in-depth information about the culture and the people who live there.
Author: Ajmera, Maya
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing, 1999
Ages: 4-8
Using photos of children from all over the world participating in similar activities, To Be A Kid describes what it really means to be a kid in the world, regardless of location, race, or language. The book features beautiful photographs taken by Peace Corps volunteers and celebrates those universal activities that children all around the world enjoy, such as playing with friends, spending time with family, and learning.
Author: Hollyer, Beatrice
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co., 1999
Ages 4-8
A look at the diverse cultures of children from eight different countries: Brazil, Vietnam, Ghana, India, USA, Australia, England, and Russia.
Author: Fox, Mem; illus. Leslie Staub
Publisher: Voyager Books, 2006
Ages 4-8
Accompanied by folk art oil paintings by illustrator Leslie Staub, Whoever You Are emphasizes the idea that although children around the world may look different or speak different languages, they all experience the same feelings of pain and joy.
World Almanac for Kids: Nations
This section of the World Almanac for Kids website includes information about how kids around the world live, as well as an alphabetical listing of nations with facts and figures. The website also includes sections from the World Almanac for Kids book, which is revised each year and includes up-to-date facts on several subjects.
Yahoo!’s World Fact Book is an alphabetical listing of all the countries in the world with maps, statistics, and pictures of each country’s flag, as well as information on the currency, government, and land.
Author: Kerley, Barbara
Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books, 2005
Ages 4-8
Through beautiful photographs and simple rhyming text, You and Me Together depicts the relationship between parents and children all over the world and emphasizes the similarities that all families share.
If you want to expose your children to other cultures in a way that is more real, in-depth, personable and memorable – by working in community with them rather than just traveling – this is the way to really learn about another culture.
We were exposed to something few of us get to experience. Most often we simply drive through communities. This time we got to meet and really get to know people, and they were so generous. We got far more out of the experience than we gave.
Kathy P., Rock Point, AZ (family of 4)
This was our best family vacation and a phenomenal experience. I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to do this with my children. My children realized that although the people in the community we visited didn't have a lot of material possessions, they had some things we didn't. The community members were funny, loving and generous.
The group experience was what made it so great. The team leaders were remarkable. They never passed judgment and treated my children like full members of the group, so they acted that way. The experience made them more confident and more excited about taking other travel adventures.
Marcy G., Xiloxochico, Mexico (family of 6)
Volunteering in Tanzania was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes not only to the needs of our fellow global citizens, but also to the lovable and exhilarating culture of Bukoba.
Megan age 19, Bukoba, Tanzania
GCN wasn't just a volunteer trip but instead a life altering two weeks that helped me discover myself.
Shannon age 15, Bukoba, Tanzania
Our GCN sponsored program in Tanzania wasn't a vacation but rather a deeply moving experience our family will cherish for a lifetime.
Sean, Dad, Bukoba, Tanzania
Working side by side with my husband and children, helping, reaching out, and learning from people in a culture vastly different from our own together as a family was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. We are already planning our next volunteer vacation.
Karen, Mom, Bukoba, Tanzania
This experience changed all of us. Nothing can compare with it. It's made my kids into global citizens. Before we left for Kenya, I was concerned that my kids were getting spoiled, but the trip showed them how happy people were, even though they had so little by comparison. They also discovered how much more important it is to have experiences instead of things.
My kids are so mature now as a result of the trip. They have a new and broader world view.
Nancy F., Maili Tatu, Africa (3 time repeat participant with 2 kids)
I took each of my two granddaughters on a trip when they turned 13, as a rite of passage. It was tremendously bonding for us. It deepened our love and our relationship, but it also sensitized the girls to different cultures and helped them gain an understanding and empathy for others.
One of my granddaughters was extremely wary. She said, "I don't know how to do this and I don't want to be there." But by the end, she was begging to stay. She had formed some amazing friendships. It was quite a transition.
My advice to families considering this kind of trip is this: Even if you have some hesitation, trust that the experience will be transforming for your child and for your relationship with your child. My two granddaughters are totally different personalities, but the same positive transformation happened for both.
We had so many one-on-one reflective conversations about what we were experiencing and learning. It's a different and more intimate way of being with children.
The team members were incredibly kind to my teenagers. The leaders were such good role models -- caring and inclusive.
Meg V., Rock Point, AZ 2003; La Push, WA 2007
The truly amazing thing about this community is the pride, character, and sense of respect you feel being with them. They carry themselves with esteem. Being with them, you know they will not only survive, they will succeed, collectively using the resources available to them for the good of the whole.
Joyce, Pennsylvania; Kenya Participant
With the beauty, the simplicity, the strength and comedy of this place, each day becomes an adventure to be anticipated.
Gladys, Ontario; Kenya Participants
I learned much more that GCN is about the process of building long term relationships with communities, not necessarily about the process of "building!" It was truly priceless to be allowed to be on the 'construction site' with a bunch of indigenous people in Mexico. Tourists DO NOT get that opportunity-nor should they. We all believed WE TRULY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
Diana, Colorado; Two-time Mexico Participant
I have just this last hour arrived back home after what can only be described as an experience of a lifetime, the people at Jampaling were wonderful and I return with a feeling of accomplishment, and everlasting respect for a group of people who work so hard with such limited resources to achieve their goals.
David, Ontario; Nepal Participant
As a GCN volunteer you expect to fill the role of giver, giving of your time, efforts, money and heart. During a recent trip to Nepal, I felt more like a wide receiver for a pro football team, with countless blessings being passed my way! It started before I even left with support from a bunch of people, some of whom I don't even know, my sponsors through fundraising.
Cherril, New York; Nepal Participant
A positive growing experience that will unfold as time moves on. I do appreciate the warm hospitality of the local Navajo people and thank them for all they did to open our eyes and heart to their life, culture and values.
Jerry, Minnesota; New Mexico volunteer
It has become the most meaningful thing I've experienced in my life. It was more than a casual cultural exchange. I never felt like a tourist - I felt like I was coming home.
Ted, New York; New Mexico volunteer
The trip to Rock Point was a wonderful experience for me. Our team really "connected" and are talking among ourselves of doing other trips together! We all agreed we haven't laughed and sung songs like we did there for a long time. The Navajo people are wonderful, and we were able to share songs, dinner with them and they with us. We were able to complete the projects they had for us and still have lots of time for culture exchange.
Lynne, California; Arizona volunteer
My goal was to get lifted out of my personal and professional rut, to have my head and heart spun around and to land more solid and grounded. For the most part this happened.
Nancy, Vermont; Guatemala volunteer
Because of a scholarship provided by Global Citizens Network, I was able to spend two weeks volunteering in Guatemala, in a rural village called Llanos de Morales. This was my second trip volunteering in a developing nation (I went to Nicaragua two years ago), but my first time working with GCN. My experience was unforgettable and I would recommend it to anyone!
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