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86 pages 2 hours read

Andrea Elliott

Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival, and Hope in an American City

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Invisible Child by Andrea Elliott follows Dasani, an African American child in New York City, as she navigates growing up in poverty. The book, based on long-form journalism, documents Dasani's life over eight years, exploring her family's generational struggles with systemic racism, substance use, and homelessness, highlighting the interplay between individual agency and systemic barriers in their quest for a better future. This text includes depictions of violence, including assault, domestic violence, sexual violence, murder, and violence against children. It also discusses topics such as slavery, poverty, homelessness, and substance use disorders.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Andrea Elliott's Invisible Child receives praise for its powerful, empathetic portrayal of a homeless child's life in New York City, shedding light on systemic inequalities. Critics commend the thorough research and compelling narrative. However, some note the book's heaviness and dense detail can be overwhelming. Overall, it’s a poignant, eye-opening read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Invisible Child?

Readers who appreciate Invisible Child by Andrea Elliott are typically drawn to investigative journalism and social justice themes. Fans of Evicted by Matthew Desmond or Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc will find this book compelling for its in-depth look at poverty, homelessness, and resilience in urban America.

Book Details
Pages

640

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

New York City • 2010s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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