Developed by a Canadian volunteer organization, this textbook for high school and adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and literacy students explores current international events and social issues using both personal and global perspectives. It includes personal stories of people's lives, discussions of social and political issues in a wider context, and facts about various countries (Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, Bolivia, England, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Nepal, Thailand, and China). The direct and easy-to-read language stories also make connections to life in Canada. The reading material is divided into five major theme areas: People and the Land; Rebuilding After War; Ending Family Violence; Literacy; and Workers Making Connections. The text is written in intermediate-level English, illustrated on almost every page with photographs. A final section, "Teacher's Notes," suggests classroom activities and opportunities for further reading. Though written for intermediate-level ESL and literacy students, the clearly-captioned photographs make the book a useful resource for less advanced students as well. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education) (LB)