Human Rights Books That Inform, Illuminate, and Inspire Change.
Our Upcoming and Latest Release
Through the Gates of Hell
A powerful account of an unlikely friendship and what it takes to fight for human rights in the post–September 11th era.
Defiant: Profiles of Resistance
Eleven accounts of ordinary Europeans who became unlikely human rights defenders.
Feeling Safer in Unsafe Times: A Bilingual Therapeutic Coloring Book
Feeling Safer in Unsafe Times: A Bilingual Therapeutic Coloring Book is a gentle, supportive tool for children ages 3–8 to talk about and express big feelings after confusing or frightening experiences.
All of Us Together Series
The ALL OF US TOGETHER series is inspired by the values reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through engaging stories, it introduces children to kindness, equality, respect, and tolerance of differences, showing how everyday acts can make the world more caring and inclusive.
About Our Authors
Joshua Colangelo-Bryan
THROUGH THE GATES OF HELL: American Injustice at Guantanamo Bay
Joshua Colangelo-Bryan is Special Counsel at Human Rights First, where he spearheads impact litigation and advocacy efforts to uphold democratic principles and support human rights defenders globally. Beyond representing Guantanamo detainees, he has sued Turkey for assaulting peaceful protestors in Washington, D.C., the Trump administration for attempting to deport a college student based on her pro-test activity, and a U.S. pastor who fomented legislation in Uganda criminalizing the LGBTQI community. Josh has conducted human-rights investigations in countries such as Yemen, Syria, and Bahrain.
In the early 2000s, Josh served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, working on the prosecution of war crimes cases.
He has provided commentary for national media, authored op-eds in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The Guardian, and spoken before Congress and at colleges, law schools, churches, and synagogues regarding Guantanamo and international law.
Brian Dooley
DEFIANT: Profiles of Resistance
Brian Dooley is a longtime human rights activist specializing in supporting Human Rights Defenders working amid revolutions, armed conflict, and severe repression. He is an Honorary Professor of Practice at Queen’s University Belfast, a Visiting Scholar at University College London, and a Senior Advisor at Human Rights First. From 2020 to 2023, Dooley served as Senior Advisor to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. In 2025, he received the University of Oslo Human Rights Award. He is the author of several books on civil rights and the Northern Ireland conflict. His latest book, DEFIANT: Profiles of Resistance, will be published by Humanitas Media in October 2026.
LINDA S. BUDD (author)
Feeling Safer in Unsafe Times: A Bilingual Therapeutic Coloring Book
Linda S. Budd, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with over 50 years of experience. She has now retired her license in marriage and family therapy and her certification as a registered play therapist-supervisor. She specializes in childhood temperament, parent-child relationships, and personality disorders. Dr. Budd is the author of Living With the Active Alert Child, The Journey of Parenting, and I’m OK, You’re Not OK. A former adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota, she has taught and presented nationally on family systems and emotional development.
Rick Lebo (illustrator)
Feeling Safer in Unsafe Times: A Bilingual Therapeutic Coloring Book
Rick Lebo is a professional illustrator, fine artist and graphic designer, and has been working in the arts for over 40 years. He lives and works in Crowley, Texas, just South of Fort Worth, with his wife of 25 years, 5 children, and 2 grand-children. Rick’s art has been an expansive journey through school, work and dreams, guided by a symphony of imagination and vision. When he’s not lost in his art, he finds peace in his family, love, and inspiration. Rick has also recently become a new author of science fiction and fantasy.
Cornelia Maude Spelman (author)
Being Friendly Book 1: All of Us Together series
Cornelia Maude Spelman, MSW, was a therapist with children and families before turning full-time to writing and art. She has written twelve books for children that help them manage emotions and difficult life situations, and is also the author of two memoirs. Her The Way I Feel series of books for young children, described by reviewers as “sensitive” and “compassionate,” has sold over four million copies and been translated into eleven languages.
LETICIA PLATE (illustrator)
Being Friendly Book 1: All of Us Together series
Leticia Plate finds inspiration in the sunny side of things and creates images with a combination of analog and digital techniques. Born in Buenos Aires and raised in Rome, she moved to New York City to study Illustration at School of Visual Arts. She has worked for a variety of illustration markets, from editorial to surface design and everything in between. She has brought influences from multiple languages and cultures to create a unique visual language. Previous clients include the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Whole Foods Market, Chewy, and the American Library Association. She currently lives in Portland, Maine, where she teaches illustration at the Maine College of Arts & Design.
