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Library Journal Review
Harvard-affiliated Weissbourd includes snippets of troubled children's (and parents') lives to enhance the theme of this solid work, that there is no simple circumstance (low income, single parent) that gives rise to a disadvantaged childhood. What does commonly exist in such an environment is a poverty of knowledge about children and their development, a failure to understand the interrelation of family and community circumstances. Weissbourd identifies institutions he feels well positioned to develop and practice informed holistic programs to salvage children at risk: schools, child protective services, police, and community officials. Boston's South End Community Center, Hawaii's Healthy Start, New Haven, Connecticut's Lincoln Bassett Elementary School, and South Carolina's Resource Mothers program are cited as examples of efforts that work. Policymakers, government representatives, educators, and social workers could attend to this thoughtful and reasoned argument, perhaps to the benefit of more than the children. Recommended for academics, professionals, and the general public.Suzanne W. Wood, SUNY Coll. of Technology, Alfred (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publishers Weekly Review
Beginning in the 1980s, Weissbourd, a family issues expert, interviewed and spent time with the disadvantaged children and their families whose stories presented here shatter monolithic concepts of poverty and an underclass. In positioning poor children as distinct individuals, often poor at only some point in their lives, Weissbourd demonstrates that poverty hurts children in a range of subtle ways that have nothing to do with neglect or abuse. He states, moreover, that ``a good deal of evidence suggests that most vulnerable children are not poor.'' His research indicates that such parenting deficits as depression, stress and community isolation often punish children, who become scapegoats or assume other negative roles. The chain of interactions that makes a child vulnerable is followed with compassion in this challenging report, which ``shows that children are not typically doomed because of poverty, or other risk factors at early ages.'' An important advisory for all in service of children. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
CHOICE Review
Weissbourd describes the problems of America's children and proposes practical solutions. Joining other social critics such as Sylvia Hewlett (When the Bough Breaks, CH, Nov'91), Lisbeth Shorr (Within Our Reach, 1988), and Alex Kotlowitz (There Are No Children Here, 1991), he takes a broader perspective. Based on his interviews with hundreds of children and professionals, Weissbourd asserts that vulnerable children transcend family structure, race, or poverty. Factors such as living with depressed, overstressed parents, moving frequently, or lacking medical care have a negative effect on children of any ethnicity or income. Weissbourd acknowledges the resilience of children and parents facing difficulties, while recognizing the complex factors that can damage children. He offers many concrete suggestions for change, including building on families' strengths, working to support families, and providing ongoing professional attention to troubled children. Vivid descriptions of real children illustrate the material. Lengthy endnotes document sources. This book should be read by citizens and public officials, as well as by academics and professionals. Highly recommended. All levels. M. E. Elwell emerita, Salisbury State University
