The poorest 40 percent of the world's people share only 5 percent of the world's income. In 2005 more than 115 million children in poor countries did not attend school. With detailed, up-to-date facts and figures about health, education, environment, resources, global trade, debt, and aid, this illustrated title in the What If We Do Nothing? series is a strong introduction to a global issue in the news today. After discussing patterns of poverty, each chapter raises specific "What would you do?" questions, with brief suggested answers at the back of the book. Whether the issue is increased taxation of the wealthy, cancellation of unpayable debts, improving primary health care, or more, student activists will want to talk about it, and social-studies teachers will find this a strong curriculum title.
