86 pages • 2 hours read
Andrea ElliottInvisible Child: Poverty, Survival, and Hope in an American City
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Invisible Child by Andrea Elliott follows Dasani, an African American child in New York City, as she navigates growing up in poverty. The book, based on long-form journalism, documents Dasani's life over eight years, exploring her family's generational struggles with systemic racism, substance use, and homelessness, highlighting the interplay between individual agency and systemic barriers in their quest for a better future. This text includes depictions of violence, including assault, domestic violence, sexual violence, murder, and violence against children. It also discusses topics such as slavery, poverty, homelessness, and substance use disorders.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Andrea Elliott's Invisible Child receives praise for its powerful, empathetic portrayal of a homeless child's life in New York City, shedding light on systemic inequalities. Critics commend the thorough research and compelling narrative. However, some note the book's heaviness and dense detail can be overwhelming. Overall, it’s a poignant, eye-opening read.
Who Should Read Invisible Child?
Readers who appreciate Invisible Child by Andrea Elliott are typically drawn to investigative journalism and social justice themes. Fans of Evicted by Matthew Desmond or Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc will find this book compelling for its in-depth look at poverty, homelessness, and resilience in urban America.