So What Do You Do? [Hardcover]

Handprint Staff (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up

When sixth graders Charlie and Colleen discover that their beloved third-grade teacher, Joseph Adams, is now homeless and living on the streets, they set out to make friends with the deeply troubled man and inspire him and members of the community to support him in his time of trouble."

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8?In this overly optimistic look at homelessness, sixth-grader Charlie Fuller is shocked to discover his beloved third-grade teacher living on the streets of his California town. Though Mr. Adams does not initially acknowledge their past connection, Charlie and his friend Colleen try to improve their former teacher's situation. They take him gifts and food and clean his cardboard house. More importantly, they tell him how he changed their lives. Over the months, the man pulls himself out of the alcoholic haze that has trapped him. When some rampaging teens tear up the homeless encampment, the children take the injured Mr. Adams back to his former classroom and, with the help of the school custodian and a local policeman, care for him. Plans are formed to get their friend an apartment, help him get started on a hoped-for career as a writer, and celebrate his years as a teacher. This is a worthy book, putting a face on a problem that many people try to ignore. By detailing the steps that can lead a successful person to homelessness, Evans creates empathy for the individuals caught in its trap. Most of the homeless people are positively portrayed. While the violence and hardship of the encampment are mentioned, they are seemingly not dangerous enough to intimidate two sheltered, rich children who visit there every day. The inherent question posed throughout is, "So What Do You Do?" when faced with an unsolvable problem. Personal action and commitment may help, but how realistic, not to mention safe, is the action outlined here? Not very.?Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Two sixth graders find their third-grade teacher living in a cardboard box in the park and give him a fresh start in this contrived, misguided tale from Evans (The Classroom at the End of the Hall, 1995). Charlie isn't sure why he follows the filthy, shambling street person into the public library--until he realizes with a shock that it's Joe Adams, his all-time favorite teacher. When Charlie rushes up to talk, he is coldly rebuffed. Enlisting the help of classmate Colleen, another Adams fan, he begins bringing food and clean clothing to the box where Adams keeps his books and opera tapes, lying about his whereabouts to conveniently oblivious parents. As weeks pass, Adams slowly becomes less hostile, and at last explains how the combination of chemotherapy, divorce, and a publicized incident in which he shoved a bullying student destroyed his self-esteem, led him to resign, and eventually drove him to drink. Ultimately, Charlie and Colleen sneak him into his old school classroom for a week (it's spring break), while appreciative former students gather to get him back on his feet with a check, an apartment, and a pep rally. Evans pays warm tribute to the profound effects a teacher can have, and suggests that helping the homeless often requires more than finding them places to live. Still, there are several characters and subplots undeveloped, and in Charlie's example is a potentially dangerous course of action. (Fiction. 10-12) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Hand Print; 1st edition (December 4, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886910200
• ISBN-13: 978-1886910201
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,981,940 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Douglas Evans the author of children's books, plays, poems, comics, and music. His books include MVP*:Magellan Voyage Project, The Elevator Family, Apple Island, and the collections of classroom tales: Classroom at the End of the Hall, Math Rashes, and Mouth Moths. He holds a master's degree in education and has taught for twenty years in settings ranging from a small logging town in Oregon to international schools in Helsinki and London. He currently lives in Berkeley, California. Find out more about his books, plays, and music on his Web Site at: http://www.wtmelon.com/

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Two kids persist in helping someone who has helped them., August 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: So What Do You Do? (Hardcover)

Reading this book can be a way for teachers and parents to open a discussion concerning homeless people. Written simply and respectfully.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Imagine finding a former teacher living on the streets!, May 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: So What Do You Do? (Hardcover)

I really liked this book. I was really strange reading about a boy who finds his favorite teacher panhandling. I can only imagine what I would do. Charlie helps his teacher and that is very good. I liked the ending.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This publication is well written and timely, August 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: So What Do You Do? (Hardcover)

re: Douglas Evans' childrens book "So What Do You Do" (Front Street). The Mrs. and I found this publication well written and timely.

Would that more people were as socially conscious and caring about good teachers.