I Can't Come to School Today: My Mom's in Prison & I Don't Have a Ride a Collection of Stories

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Summary: powerful reality - these are our kids
Review: It is difficult to accept the reality that so many children in our affluent society are broken and thown away, ignored or forgotten. These stories provide the personal connection to the statisitics. They also tell me how far we need to go before we call ourselves "evolved" "enlightened" or "civilized". Reading the stories of Carlos, Marcos and Kam is a way for me to connect. I am gratefu that Kathy VanAntwerp has told the stories, the question is what will I do with them? I read them with an open heart and a willingness to accept the children's voices and experiences even though I wish none of it were true. I turn to this book for motivation and strength to continue to speak and act on behalf of children in all small and large ways that I can.

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Summary: A Call to Reality for All Who Work with Kids
Review: It is evident in reading this book that Kathy took great care in the selection and compilation of the stories included. By allowing the narratives written to remain as the child wrote it, with no editorial corrections, we are able to see just how much we take for granted and how this serious problem permeates every part of the child's existence. It only reinforces our responsibility as people and professionals with a passion for children to take notice of and encourage their souls with the love, respect, tenderness and humility they deserve and long for. Thank you, Kathy, for your compassion for these children. This book should serve as a reminder to us all.

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Summary: Don't buy this book
Review: The only good thing about this book is the narratives written by the children. However they are too few. Otherwise the writting was so simplistic and repetative. I had the feeling the author wrote this book on her lunch break. I don't know who this book was written for adults or grade school students. There are many good books on the topic of at risk children but this isn't one of them. Save your money and buy another book like "Turning Stones" or one written by Mr. Humes for instance.

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Summary: Heartbreaking and heartwarming, not to be missed.
Review: We've all heard stories of abused children. But how often had you heard those stories in their own words? Well, here's your chance. Told with disarming innocence, these stories will break your heart. This book is a triumph of the human spirit and a testament to how one person can truly make a difference in the life of a child. Moving and inspirational, this book is a gem.

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Summary: A crucial dose of reality for anyone who cares about kids.
Review: With deep respect and compassion, Kathleen Van Antwerp has allowed these wounded children to tell their stories in their own way and with their own words. Their young voices are powerful: undiluted by "professional" editing or interpretations which alway seem to encourage pity rather than empathy. Antwerp gives us a rare opportunity to geniunely feel, through the children's words, the confusion, anger, self-loathing, and profound sadness produced by neglect and abuse. Just as importantly, however, this skilled and insightful teacher also devotes a section of her book to outlining an educational model for working with abused children. Antwerp emphasizes the use of self-expression, acceptance, and respect to tap into that fragile thread of hope which is often all that remains of a childhood in tatters. Kathleen Van Antwerp's thoughtful study should be required reading for everyone concerned with the welfare of children in our society.