Joining New Families: A Study of Adoption and Fostering in Middle Childhood Book

I was moved by the stories told by the old & young in this community. I truly admire Anthony's (a 13 year old) wisdom and ambition as an aspiring writer. The centrality of the church in providing hope and relief for people in this community reminded me of my own childhood. Despite one's religious beliefs we must never devalue the relationships that people have to spiritual places and the sense of belonging and community that is achieved through these relationships. I respect Kozol for being able to give voice to each person he befriends and serving more as a messenger. The book ends with an analysis of a sermon with questions to think about:

"Will the people Reverend Groover called "the principalities and powers" look into their hearts one day in church or synagogue and feel the grace of God and, as he put it, "be transformed"? Will they become ashamed of what they've done, or what they have accepted? Will they decide they do not need to quarantine the outcasts of their ingenuity and will they then use all their wisdom and their skills to build a new society and new economy in which no human being will be superfluous? I wish I could believe that, but I don't think it is likely. I think it is more likely that they'll write more stories about "Hope Within the Ashes" and then pile on more ashes and then change the subject to the opening of the ballet or a review of a new restaurant. And the children of disappointment will keep dying."

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a sobering reminder of what many kids go through in low-income communities. It was written in the 90s but its message is still relevant today.