Real Stories from Street Children Across the World

Gr 1–3—Despite the title, this photographic account focuses on children in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Guatemala. The book starts off by emphasizing that the work's subjects either live on the streets or spend time there working, returning home occasionally. They were contacted through charities (Streets Ahead and Safe Passage) that help young people find homes. The kids relate their stories in their own words, and though their lives are challenging and often painful, the brief, concise text isn't graphic (Ana Elizabeth, an 11-year-old living in Guatemala, on her experiences: "Sleeping on the streets is scary. Mum tries to stay awake, but it's still bad until the sun comes up."). Photographs and illustrations depict the children and the conditions under which they've been living in an equally age-appropriate manner. Back matter includes information on how many street children are living in different countries worldwide. With few books available on this particular topic, this title is a solid addition.—Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT