One of the Problems of Everett Anderson - Hardcover

Clifton, Lucille

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805052011 ISBN 13: 9780805052015

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), 2001

Synopsis

A sensitive exploration of a difficult problem by an award winning author/illustrator team.

"One day in school, just out of the blue,"
Everett whispers, "Greg started to cry,
and I went over to ask him why

and he looked up and sighed,
'I can't tell you.'
And he had the saddest, saddest face
like he was lost in the loneliest place."

Everett Anderson doesn't know what to do when his friend Greg comes to school with bruises, or when Greg cries and can't explain what's wrong. Should Everett tell the teacher, or would that only make things worse for Greg? Everett's sister thinks maybe it's none of their business, but he can't stop worrying about his friend. Then, when Everett Anderson tells his mother, he opens a window of possibility.

This tender story perfectly evokes the confusion, concern--and eventual hope--one little boy feels in the face of a very difficult problem.

About this title

About the Author

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.

Reviews

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
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0805052011
• ISBN 13: 9780805052015
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Grifalconi Ann
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32