Book Review of The Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival, and Hope in an American City by Andrea Elliott

There are many characters, many episodes and many short passages. What sets the story apart and makes it most engaging is when, about halfway through, Dasani applies to a boarding school for needy children. The idea came from the principal of her school, Paula Holmes, who knew that the good educational institution, founded by chocolate founder Hershey, had changed the lives of many students from disadvantaged families. . Ms. Holmes, as she was told, offered students admission there but was never admitted. Dasani was an unusual but healthy student and “has been of public interest,” wrote Elliott. Holmes also nominated Avianna, Dasani’s closest sister. As it happens, Dasani joins, Avianna doesn’t, and the story abruptly shifts to Hershey, Pa., where Dasani struggles. She misses her family terribly, and they miss her.