One of the Problems of Everett Anderson - Hardcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Lucille Clifton, poet, storyteller, college professor, mother of six and grandmother of four, is the author of many books for young readers. She has written eight books featuring the character Everett Anderson. Everett Anderson's Goodbye is a Coretta Scott King Award winner. Ms. Clifton lives in Maryland.

Ann Grifalconi has created more than 50 books for children. She is well known for her Caldecott Honor book, The Village of Round and Square Houses, as well as The Jazz Man, a Newbery Honor book written by her mother, Mary Weik. Ms. Grifalconi lives in New York.

Rezensionen

K-Gr 3-Everett's new friend Greg comes to school every day with fresh bruises and a sad, sad face, "like he was lost in the loneliest place." Everett wants desperately to help him but has no idea what he can do or say. When he shares his concern with his mother, she explains that sometimes just being there for his friend and listening to him are what he can do best. The text, written in rhyme, is enhanced by sensitive, full-page color illustrations that express the emotions dealt with, ranging from confusion, worry, and sadness to eventual hope. This is a gentle depiction of a troubled young victim of child abuse and his understanding friend. Useful as bibliotherapy and for opening class discussion about this topic.

Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

One of the Problems of Everett Anderson, the eighth by Lucille Clifton, illus. by Ann Grifalconi, gently and sensitively addresses the issue of child abuse. After Everett notices bruises and scars on his new friend, Greg, he doesn't know what to do. "I could tell the teacher," he says. "[But] I don't want to make it bad for Greg or for his mom and dad." Finally, Everett tells his mother, who helps Everett "to understand that one of the things he can do right now is listen to Greg and hug and hold his friend." Grifalconi's muted illustrations poignantly evoke the fear and uncertainty of the situation. An excellent choice for opening up a challenging conversation.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Ages 4-8. Everett Anderson is a thinker. This time, he's troubled about his best friend, Greg, who seems to have a new bruise every day. Perhaps he falls down the stairs a lot. But every day? Everett isn't sure if he should tell a grown-up; his big sister says it's none of his business. But Everett's mother senses something wrong, and she manages to get Everett to confess that he'd seen Greg cry in school. This tender, understated book, the eighth in the series about Everett, introduces a subject that all kids need to be aware of. Clifton's gentle text never says in exact words what has happened to Greg, but adults reading to young children will be able to clarify what has taken place, and then talk about child abuse--what it means for Greg, of course, but also what it means for Everett, who senses that something is wrong but has no idea what to do about it. Grifalconi's soft charcoal illustrations give depth to the text, adding to the somber tone, yet evoking a sense of a brighter future for Greg. A difficult subject for children is made more understandable by presenting it through a caring young friend's perspective. Shelley Townsend-Hudson
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