What to Do When Your Parent Is Out of Work

April 1, 2010
Gr 2-4-These titles explain terms that readers may have heard at home, such as mortgage, credit-card debt, and welfare, in chapter spreads such as Who Pays for It? ("Healthcare"), Needs and Wants ("Debt"), and Dealing at School ("Welfare"). How could this happen? explanations and a glossary provide further clarification. The author suggests that readers make sacrifices, pitch in, or think up fun activities the family can do for free. Full-page color photographs appear opposite the narratives, depicting multicultural children, parents, grandparents, social workers, and others, whose demeanors match the hopeful tone of the titles. This timely series will help promote empathy and understanding for the plight of others and is a key purchase.

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2010
Grades 3-5 Its hard to find subjects sadder than those in the Lets Work It Out series, but given our nations economy, its also hard to find titles that are more timely. Using full-page photos and straightforward language, each book avoids demonizing parents who lose their job or home and must apply for government assistance. The books maintain a kidcentric point of view through these adult dilemmas and soothe the shame and embarrassment that come with economic struggles. The giant GOING OUT OF BUSINESS sign that starts What to Do When Your Parent Is out of Work is all too common these days, though the books tone is reassuring: It will not always be like this. Theres plenty of overlap between volumes; sadly, that too is inherent to the cycle of hardship.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)