Review: Knowledgable author
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 2, 2014
Sweet DestructionBy: Paige Weaver4/5 starsThis book really showcased a sliver of what it can be like for kids who grew up poor on the “wrong side of the tracks.” You could feel the despair and the hopelessness of the people living there. Though, there are those people who can’t understand how people in those situations don’t just pick themselves up and move; this book demonstrates how kids need role models to be able to have a chance at breaking out. It truly is a part of their mindset.The author explored this when there was hopelessness and despair and the discouragement of hope in any form because all hope would do, is break your heart. Also, some of the characters had no plans for the future. Just live and work. They didn’t have thoughts on how to get out, it was how to stay clothed, fed, housed & bills paid. The author also explored this when a character was afraid to move out of a dumpy place because it would be outside of a comfort zone.And being in trouble with the law and juvenile detention are not always the answer!! If a child is forced to steal because of a home life situation, have some compassion. Buy the stuff for them or let them know that you saw what they tried to take and ask questions, try to learn about them, let them know that they can come to you if they need help. They need to know someone is in their corner or dependable, not judgmental people who just call the cops.No, I’m not a social worker or psychologist. I’m a school teacher. Knowing kids is my business & profession. It is up to people in the community to provide uplifting support and encouragement and to help all kids, but these types of kid especially, to succeed.Cole Walker, Bentley Ross & Samantha Ross all grew up in dilapidated homes on the wrong side of town, with parents who didn’t care. They were forced to take care of themselves and each other. They encountered many troubles along the way, much as it goes for children in their position. They did what they had to, to survive.This story follows them and provides flashbacks, so we can see what they went through. You will want to lay the smack down on their parents & take them home with you and care for them as if they were your own children.I read an article by this author, who as a college senior in law classes had to go to a juvenile detention center and speak to kids who were incarcerated there. They had to interview them. The author’s knowledge and experienced gained from doing so is showcased in this book. And she did a very good job.