Jason's Why

Gr 3–5—Nine-year-old Jason has anger issues. His dad used to yell and beat him, but then his parents divorced. Now his mother has a hard time being a single parent of two kids, especially since Jason has emotional problems. She reaches out to social workers to place him in a group home. Jason's narrative expresses his fears and confusion at being sent away. While it is clear that he has some problems, it quickly becomes obvious that his mother is less than perfect as well. Although the story takes place over only a few days and starts when Jason is in the group home, by the end, the child has begun to feel that there are some adults who care for him and who will not hurt him. Child abuse, foster care, and group homes are treated realistically, although somewhat simplistically, and Jason's voice is true to that of a youngster his age. This book would help children who are dealing with some of the same issues, but it has value for other children as well, as it opens the door to discussion.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD