Talk about a family Book

Talk about a Family deals with the topic of a family feeling the stress of a dissolving marriage. While written for younger independent readers (it's a chapter book but only 60 pages long), it manages to do a lot in a little space. Characters are developed, the way in which a whole family dynamic shifts out of balance when parents argue is believably shown, and the hope of a younger sister that her older brother's return home from the military will make everything all right rings true for children. While the illustrations are nicely done, they do make this book which was written in 1978 look dated.

CIP: Genny is eager for her eldest brother's return from military service, convinced that he can fix everything-- even the growing rift between their parents.

SLJ: Set in large type with an easy vocabulary, this portrays a middle-income Black family facing change. Without denying the hurt and pain the divorce causes, it shows the warmth of family ties, the bond of friendships, and a strong sense of neighborhood. Moralizing is kept to a minimum and the characters are remarkable well developed, especially considering the confines of 64 pages.