An Invisible Thread Christmas Story

September 14, 2015
Based on Schroff’s bestselling 2011 memoir, An Invisible Thread, also written with Tresniowski, this picture book focuses on a Christmas that Schroff spent with Maurice, a child she met after he asked her for change on the street in New York City. Their initial encounter developed into weekly meals and a friendship that crossed both racial and generational lines. Maurice narrates his holiday activities with Schroff, after she learns his family never had the money to celebrate Christmas. Root’s warm, textural illustrations bring the wintery city to life, but the lack of information surrounding Maurice’s family background (in which drugs had a sizeable presence), while understandable given the target audience, is likely to leave readers with questions. Even so, the importance of generosity grounds the book, further amplified by endnotes from both Schroff and Maurice, as well as suggestions for how readers can integrate kindness into their daily lives. Ages 4–8.

September 1, 2015
Adapted from the bestselling book of the same title for adults (2011), this abridged version presents the true story of a friendship between an impoverished African-American boy and a young white woman who becomes his mentor. The boy, Maurice, narrates this relatively lengthy story of his budding friendship with Laura, a professional woman working in an unnamed big city. He first meets Laura when he asks her for spare change and she buys him dinner. Maurice explains that he doesn't have enough to eat at home. This leads to regular weekly dinners with Laura, visits to her apartment, and a Christmas visit to Laura's extended family. Maurice enjoys the big family's holiday celebration, and he receives all the presents on his Christmas list. He hopes that someday he will have his own big family like Laura's. In a sentimental conclusion, Maurice gives Laura his white teddy bear, the only Christmas present he had ever previously received. Evocative illustrations in pencil and watercolor bring the holiday celebrations to life with a wide variety of perspectives and illustration sizes. The final pages include two author's notes and one from the real Maurice. This well-meant effort is a touching story of the white-savior variety, but it also raises some provocative social questions without ever answering them satisfactorily. (Picture book. 7-10)

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October 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-Based on Schroff's best-selling book, An Invisible Thread: The True Story of an 11-Year-Old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny (Howard Bks, 2011), this picture book encapsulates the friendship that grew between a young working woman and a hungry boy on the streets of New York City. The boy, Maurice, narrates the tale of their meeting, sharing Monday night meals together, and eventually spending Christmas together-the first "real" Christmas Maurice ever had. The story never tries to hide the fact that it is message-driven, and everything is cheery and wonderful. Root's illustrations aptly convey the action as the tale unfolds. Inspiring notes from both the real-life Laura and the now-grown Maurice follow the uplifting account. A further bonus is included in the form of a guide for parents on teaching their children to perform acts of kindness. VERDICT There is apt to be a large audience for this one.-Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

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