You were all provided with literary opportunity to walk through the life of overcrowded schools, dysfunctional hospitals and deplorable homes severely impacted by depression, anxiety, drug-infested violence and the spread of AIDS.

The children you all met in this critically acclaimed book defy stereotypes, give a brave depiction about the poverty they face, racial isolation and the transcendent faith in human decency as the author Jonathan Kozol notes.

The issues in this book also relate to what we have learned, explored and discussed throughout the semester. Each student is expected to write a 3 page, 1.5 spaced paper answering the following questions in essay format beginning with the required header:

Assignment Title

Please remember that the purpose of this assignment is for you to demonstrate the ability to make key connections to subject matters, discussion posts, videos and assigned readings in class to this book. It's also important that you remember this is not to give the author's take on the book. I want to hear whatYOU think.

The assignment is due Monday, December 11, 2017 at noonand counts towards 20% of your overall grade. No exceptions will be made unless previously arranged by the Instructor.

1. We've learned a lot about pursuing human services from a strengths-based perspective. What natural-born strengths did Grace have and how did that serve her despite the adversity she faced? Draw from what we have learned and even in your strengths-based assignment earlier this semester.

2. This book is largely based on showing the power of hope and resiliency despite the fact that the children featured in this book were living in severe poverty and social chaos. What factors have we touched upon in assigned readings, discussion posts and exercises that explain why children like Grace do not receive the same opportunities (i.e. education)?

3. We've learned about the importance of remaining culturally sensitive and competent in the field of human services. In what ways do you believe Grace's African-American culture influenced her in this book? Provide at least (3) direct examples from the book.

4. If you were a human service professional working with any of the children featured in this book, identify (2) skills we have learned about that you feel would be necessary in order to make a successful impact?

5. Provide a Reference Page for this book in APA format on a separate sheet of paper at the end.