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If I Had a Hammer

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By Lauren


If I Had A Hammer: Building Homes and Hope with Habitat for Humanity
By David Rubel ; Foreword by Jimmy CarterCandlewick Press, 2010
164 pages. Nonfiction.

David Rubel's If I Had A Hammer: Building Homes and Hope with Habitat for Humanity is a refreshing nonfiction read. Although the topic is a sad one, this book has an uplifting message, because Habitat for Humanity's mission is all about offering a "hand up, not a hand out." There are accounts from families who have benefited from their new homes, as well as from the volunteers who helped to build them.

What I found to be the most interesting were the photos of different homes from around the world. The group faces challenges based on materials, family needs, environment and more. For example, some families were blessed for the first time with wells and indoor plumbing, while others needed window bars installed to prevent monkeys from coming inside. This is a great read for all ages. I really enjoyed the firsthand accounts from Habitat for Humanity's creator (and former U.S. President) Jimmy Carter, and his wife Rosalynn.
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