Knowing that others suffer just as we do can help greatly. Talking to others, even reading about them can give us courage, help us measure our troubles against an outside standard.
One publisher has wisely begun a series of smart, clear, tellingly photographed books that speak to the condition of the young, perhaps at t tome when parents cannot.
Our Gang
By Keith Elliot Greenberg
Lerner Publications
Ages 8-17
Our Gang begins with a photo-essay about one youngster in New York's Bedford-Stuyvesant section and moves from there, to impress up fully that the problem is nationwide--from sea-to-tarnished sea. The photos are not pretty; the text is not elegant, but the skilled journalist who compiled the book knows which end's up and that kids want it straight.Kids in Jail
Andy Hjelmeland, photographs by Dennis Wolf
Lerner Publications
Ages 8-17
A companion volume in the series is graced (hardly the word for it!) with the stark cover of a young boy in handcuffs. Since nearly 100,000 people under the age of 18 are confined in juvenile institutions, there should be plenty who have and interest in this book--all those whose lives have been or may be touched by juvenile crime.Among the better features are the photographs many a young person can identify with, as well as the short, simple summary of the workings of the juvenile court and custodial systems. Any youngster about to embark on adventures with the legal system is going to be motivated--perhaps to read way above his or her normal grade level, with unprecedented intensity.
Erik is Homeless
Keith Elliot Greenberg. Photographs by Carol Halebian.
Lerner Publications
Ages 6-17
Erik is Homeless also in this series, is heartbreaking, tracing the days of a nine-year-old whose life changed forever the day his well-employed father was killed. With a smart, courageous mother, with the aid of social services working to capacity in times when our national priorities seem utterly mad, Erik makes it through his days, from the public shelter to school, unscathed by drugs and violence.If you read this, you care about kids.
Kids will understand these books. Make sure your political candidate does too.