From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up. Worth begins with a brief history of poverty in the United States from early settlement, through the Great Depression and the New Deal, Johnson's War on Poverty, and concludes with the present. A chapter about urban poverty discusses the problems of poor education, school dropouts, and homelessness as contributing factors; issues in rural areas include the plight of migrant workers and the economic difficulties encountered by Native Americans. One section focuses on single-parent families and another deals with the welfare debate, covering the 1996 welfare bill, state versus federal control, abuses, and attempts at reform. The book ends on a somewhat positive note with information about programs and organizations that make a difference, such as YouthBuild and Habitat for Humanity. Black-and-white photographs appear throughout. With a more general approach than Joan Johnson's Children of Welfare (21st Century Bks., 1997), this clearly written overview would be useful for reports.?Lois McCulley, Wichita Falls High School, TX
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"This book is certainly up-to-date, and presents in unbiased, well-reasoned discussion of the subject. There are copious notes and an equally list of books and other sources consulted, as well as contact information on organizations mentioned in the text."
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School Library Journal (October 2001) (
School Library Journal 20010401)
"Informative, forthright overview...attempts to be as objective as possible."
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Booklist (Febraury 2002) (
Booklist 20010301)
"Better than average, due to its organization, approach, and illustrations. The author takes a straightforward, informative approach, uncluttered by the authentic first-person narratives that frequently mark such books. Suggestions for further reading and help are appended."
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School Library Journal (April 2001) (
School Library Journal 20010301)
"In succinct prose and a forthright style, Strada gives teens an overview...Effortlessly blending personal comments with information...Although most of the testimonials are from older teens and adults, the simple language and tame black-and-white photographs seem to target a younger YA readership. Very simple charts may be useful to middle-graders...the book puts forward some interesting occasionally alarming data...Whether for younger or older readers, this in an unsensationalized, easy-to-understand overview that makes the core issues clear."
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Booklist (March 2001) (
Booklist )
"A book that looks at tough questions regarding cause and effect...Information is drawn from a wide, reputable assortment of sources, and from the representation of sides of the issues is fair...black-and-white photos, graphs, and cartoons are scattered throughout."
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School Library Journal (March 2001) (
School Library Journal )