Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City by Andrea Elliott

 




Here is a chapter-wise summary of the book: Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival & Hope in an American City by Andrea Elliott:

Chapter 1: The Name

In this chapter, Elliott introduces the reader to Dasani, a 12-year-old girl who lives in a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, New York. Dasani is named after the bottled water her mother could never afford. She is a bright and resourceful girl, but she is also struggling to cope with the challenges of homelessness.

Chapter 2: The Shelter

In this chapter, Elliott takes the reader inside the Auburn Family Residence, the homeless shelter where Dasani and her family live. The shelter is overcrowded and chaotic, and the staff is often overwhelmed. Dasani and her family are constantly at risk of being evicted.

Chapter 3: The School

In this chapter, Elliott follows Dasani to school. Dasani is a good student, but she is often distracted by her worries about her family's homelessness. She is also the target of bullying from other students.

Chapter 4: The Street

In this chapter, Elliott follows Dasani as she spends time on the streets. Dasani is a street-smart girl, but she is also vulnerable to danger. She is often harassed by police officers and other adults.

Chapter 5: The Family

In this chapter, Elliott gets to know Dasani's family. Dasani's mother, Chanel, is a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet. Dasani's father, Supreme, is in and out of jail. Dasani's siblings are all under the age of 10.

Chapter 6: The Future

In this chapter, Elliott looks at Dasani's future. Dasani is accepted to a boarding school for homeless children. She is excited about the opportunity, but she is also sad to leave her family and friends behind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Invisible Child is a powerful and heartbreaking book that tells the story of one girl's struggle to survive homelessness. Elliott's writing is clear and compassionate, and she brings a wealth of knowledge to bear on her subject. The book is sure to appeal to anyone who is interested in the issue of homelessness, the challenges that homeless children face, or the power of resilience.

Here are some additional thoughts on the book:

  • Elliott does an excellent job of weaving together Dasani's story with the larger story of homelessness in America. This makes the book both informative and heartbreaking.
  • The book is full of fascinating facts and insights about the challenges that homeless children face. I learned a lot about the ways in which homelessness can impact a child's development, and I was particularly struck by Dasani's resilience.
  • I was particularly struck by Elliott's discussion of the need for more affordable housing and better support services for homeless families. She makes a strong case that we cannot simply treat the symptoms of homelessness without addressing the underlying causes.
  • I highly recommend Invisible Child to anyone who is interested in the issue of homelessness, the challenges that homeless children face, or the power of resilience. It is a well-written and informative book that will leave you with a new understanding of the issue.


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