num_pages: 240
description: A clarion call to address this most unjust blight upon the American landscape. Madrick has provided a valuable service in presenting a highly readable and cogent argument for change.--Mark R. Rank The Washington PostBy official count more than one out of every six American children live beneath the poverty line. But statistics alone tell little of the story. In Invisible Americans Jeff Madrick brings to light the often invisible reality and irreparable damage of child poverty in America. Keeping his focus on the children he examines the roots of the problem including the toothless remnants of our social welfare system entrenched racism and a government unmotivated to help the most voiceless citizens. Backed by new and unambiguous research he makes clear the devastating consequences of growing up poor: living in poverty even temporarily is detrimental to cognitive abilities emotional control and the overall health of children. The cost to society is incalculable. The inaction of politicians is unacceptable. Still Madrick argues there may be more reason to hope now than ever before. Rather than attempting to treat the symptoms of poverty we might be able to ameliorate its worst effects through a single simple and politically feasible policy that he lays out in this impassioned and urgent call to arms.
language: English
title: Invisible Americans: The Tragic Cost of Child Poverty
publisher: Knopf