Apr 11
Book review “Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen” by DyAnn DiSalvo-Ryan and “The Lady in the Box” by Ann McGovern
Among many great books, illuminating children on social issues, there are two works, which help young children to understand the problem of poverty and be able to consider it adequately and appropriately for their age. These books are “Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen” by DyAnn DiSalvo-Ryan and “The Lady in the Box” by Ann McGovern. Both stories tell children about poverty and through great illustrations and a simple appeal; they explain what poverty is, and how children can approach the problem.
In “Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen”, the main character — a little girl — starts helping with a soup kitchen and prepares food for the needing people. Throughout this experience, the girl understands what poverty and hunger are (DiSalvo-Ryan, 2010). The story is intended for young children of any gender, and it is evident from the text since it generally addresses the children without making any distinctions to their race, gender, or other characteristics. The problem is presented explicitly due to the main focus of the entire story. The characters are realistic, based on real people, helping those in need, and the main character is a realistic symbol of a young girl. The advice in the story is indirect. The character learns what poverty and hunger are, and she begins to understand how she, even being a little child, can make a difference. The advice is to treat people respectably and help those in need with the idea, coming from reading the text indirectly. It proceeds from the main character as she begins to understand what poverty really is, and how her activities can contribute to the fight against hunger. I agree with the advice from the book; it teaches the children, that despite their age, they can make a difference and help the poor. I also like how the message is delivered due to the usage of simple language and great illustrations; hence, it is easy for children to follow them. Furthermore, I believe the socialization of the issue to be well presented, and I would not have changed it due to its being effective and appealing to the audiences.
The second book, “The Lady in the Box”, also deals with the problem of poverty and allows little readers to comprehend it and be active in tackling this issue. It tells the story of two little children, a brother, and a sister, deciding to help a homeless woman living nearby. The children start gathering things for the woman, so she is not cold and can live through the cold winter (McGovern, 1997). The audience of the story includes young children under 10, coming from different social backgrounds, and desiring to learn about poverty from reading the book. The subject of poverty is the main one in the story. The characters are realistic; the author portrays realistic a boy and a girl, and an old woman in need of some help. The characters are human and can be easily related to particular children everywhere. The advice, provided indirectly through the eyes of the main characters, encourages the readers to help whenever they see someone in need. The main characters’ example emboldens readers to recognize social problems around them and be eager to help. I agree with the presentation of the advice in the book, due to the children’s learning the main idea as they assess the main character’s actions. The illustrations also promote comprehension of what poverty is, and how the problem can be solved. I would not have handled socialization differently due to the book doing a good job and explaining the issue with simple words, and through relatable terms.
Both books are powerful in explaining the idea of poverty to little readers; they do it easily, so even young children can understand and follow the idea of the stories. Moreover, the books encourage young children to be active due to their capability to help make the world better and deal with poverty and hunger.
References
DiSalvo-Ryan, D. (2010). Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen. Boston, MA: National Geographic School Pub.
McGovern, A. (1997). The Lady in the Box. North Clarendon, VT: Turtle Books.
