This book investigates the multifaceted realities of child poverty in America through intimate portraits of ten families and rigorous demographic analysis. Journalist Martha Shirk presents ten personal profiles of families living below the poverty line, detailing their struggles with issues such as childhood abuse, parental loss, and violence. Concurrently, Neil G. Bennett analyzes Census Bureau data to challenge common stereotypes about which American children are most likely to be poor. J. Lawrence Aber, director of the National Center for Children in Poverty, discusses the impact of poverty on child development and advocates for proven intervention strategies, framing poverty reduction as a crucial national investment.

The book is presented as a comprehensive examination of child poverty, combining journalistic depth with expert analysis. The inclusion of personal stories alongside demographic data and policy recommendations suggests a work aimed at both informing the public and advocating for change. The contributions from researchers at the National Center for Children in Poverty lend an authoritative perspective to the discussion of child welfare and social policy. It appears to offer a nuanced view that challenges stereotypes and highlights the societal benefits of addressing poverty.