This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Pilar Vélez, is a Colombian writer based in the United States. She has received numerous awards in literary contests in the genres of novels, poetry, children’s and young adult literature, and multiple recognitions for her work promoting Hispanic cultural development and environmental conservation. Her work, published in Spanish and English, deals with social and environmental issues. She is currently working on Carta a mis sueños, a book series in which she encourages values and leadership for children and young people and a culture of sustainable development. Her books are part of the curriculum of academic institutions in the United States and abroad.
Reviewed by Hilary Hawkes for Readers' Favorite
Letter to My Dreams for the Children of the World by Pilar Velez is a beautifully illustrated book that helps children and young people understand the UN’s 2030 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The first section of the book explains the principles behind these goals which involve peace, justice, poverty, hunger, health, gender equality, energy, water, infrastructure, the right to work, and how all of us have the power to contribute positively to a better and fairer world. Following on from this is a story: The King Who Could Not Dream. It is a thought-provoking fable-style narrative about a rich king who eventually realized the importance of having a dream (or desire for change) and how he had the power to make the changes to achieve a fairer nation for his people.
The stories of inspirational people such as Malala Yousafzai, Walt Disney, Shakira, Advay Ramesh, William Kamkwamba, and Roberto Clemente are well presented by Pilar Velez and show children how individuals can overcome difficulties and setbacks and achieve remarkable things that lead to positive change for others. Each story in Letter to My Dreams for the Children of the World is linked to Sustainable Developmental Goals and is followed by well-thought-out activities and points for discussion. I felt these could easily be adapted for the needs and ability levels of different children and involve engaging individuals, groups, or teams.
I especially liked the section on affirmations. Teachers and group leaders will find this book immensely useful in helping children and young people connect with and understand how they can contribute to making our world better, fairer, and more inclusive. Each page of this book is attractively laid out with eye-catching illustrations and text format. Written with empathy and conviction, this book will inspire young people. It is an important and inspirational guide for every classroom or library.
