Young Children's Rights

This book gives an accesssible introduction to the complex subject of children's rights, suitable for most practitioners working with young children. There are real life examples past and present, helping the reader gauge how attitudes towards children's rights have changed through time. The book looks at the issues arising in different cultures and the influence of gender on rights, and assesses how children can be given a voice in the decision-making process. All of these are hot topics in education and this book offers readers a sense of perspective that can enhance the teaching and learning offered to children in their own work environment. -- The Teacher
Alderson writes with clarity, sprinkling her text liberally with examples from published sources while drawing deeply from her well of personal experiences as mother, researcher and pradtitioner working with young children... Alderson's arguments are reasoned and her analysis spot on. She us forthright in her championing of children's rights: children must be informed, included and consulted - above all, adults must listen... the book is informative and genuinely enlightening. Priscilla Alderson has produced an inspiring analysis of the state of children's right in Britain. -- Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law
This book is a stimulating and thought-provoking read for anyone who works with (or is a parent of) young children. -- ChildRight
There is much to be commended in Alderson's book. It is written with clarity and passion and adopts a child-centred perspective, and most of Alderson's points are well backed up with appropriate, illustrative, research and practice examples. -- Child Abuse Review
This book will prove invaluable to any who are involved in research or professional practice with children. It is also carefully and quietly making 'child-citizens' thinkable. A final commendation is that it takes the 'tough' cases of young children and babies as its primary focus and still makes a very reasonable and compelling case for their abilities to participate in decision-making. -- Infant and Child Development
This is a highly accessible book that is a useful contribution to the debate about the children's rights and citizenship. It will provide a stimulating and thought-provoking read for anyone who works with (or is a parent of) young children and, despite the fact that she did not win over this reader entirely, Alderson has given fresh impetus to the need to continually rethink our attitude to children's rights. -- International Journal of Early Years Education
It is a joy to read such a book, which puts into words dearly held principles that are rarely clearly expressed. Alderson discusses the importance of treating young children as individuals and as holders of rights... Practitioners who work regularly with children will find this book helpful. It articulates the issues and the importance of treating all children with respect, as holders of views, which should be taken seriously. The creativity and good sense of children's solutions to problems affecting them are illustrated in a way that is helpful and illuminating. It contributes to the canon of work illustrating why consulting with children is so important in reaching good solutions for them. -- Seen and Heard