Family Challenges: Tight Times

"Are there no prisons?" asked Scrooge.… "And the Union workhouses?…Are they still in operation?…The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour then?…I help to support the establishments I have mentioned; they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there." "Many can't go there; and many would rather die." "If they would rather die," said Scrooge, "they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population."–Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Despite his lofty language and high-handed tone, Ebenezer Scrooge's grasping ways left him without friends or family. Bob Cratchit, living in his tiny cottage crowded with both children and love, was by far the happier man. Dickens was not, however, advocating poverty as the surest road to contentment. We know that Cratchit will happily accept the assistance Scrooge eventually offers. Rather, Dickens makes the point that wealth is not a guarantee for happiness, nor conversely, does the lack of money preclude experiencing joy. The families in the titles presented here all face challenges caused by financial hardship. Their trials run the gamut from the inability to buy a new coat or bicycle to the deprivation of basic necessities. In each one, the characters do not allow money or the lack of it to define them. Hope, determination, and compassion all take precedence, and the love, support, and affirmation provided by family win out in the end.

The causes of financial hardship found in these stories are myriad. In some, racism is a factor, while in others sexism plays a role. Class distinctions are also at work. At times, world events impact on individual lives, and even the vagaries of the weather force families to seek a new path. The need for medical attention, homelessness, or the incarceration of a parent occasionally drive the story line. Ultimately, questions emerge: Why haven't these characters been overwhelmed by their circumstances? What keeps them going despite disappointments? While these titles for elementary school children do not supply any easy answers, they do encourage young readers to examine the attitudes and perspectives that enable families faced with hardship to survive, achieve, and discover positive paths in unlikely places.–Grace Oliff

ADLER, David A. The Babe & I. illus. by Terry Widener. Harcourt/Gulliver. 1999.
Gr 2-4–After his father loses his job during the Great Depression, a young boy becomes a newsie to contribute to the family's income. With the help of a friend, he realizes that hawking the latest news about Babe Ruth sells papers. When the Babe himself buys one, the boy recognizes that teamwork is needed to get through hard times. Adler's unsentimental and realistic dialogue packs an emotional punch, while Widener's stylized illustrations provide nostalgic atmosphere.

BUEHNER, Caralyn. Fanny's Dream. illus. by Mark Buehner. Dial. 1996.
Gr 2-4–With dreams of becoming Cinderella, farm girl Fanny Agnes waits in the watermelon patch for her fairy godmother. Instead, the unprincely Heber Jensen comes along and promises Fanny a life together sharing somewhat different plans. When a very tardy fairy godmother shows up years later promising to make amends, Fanny takes stock of her life and chooses her cabin over a castle. The tale is told with wit and humor, while the illustrations, with their inventive use of light and shadow, are lovely to look at and great fun.

BUNTING, Eve. A Day's Work. illus. by Ronald Himler. Clarion. 1994.
Gr 1-3-When Francisco's grandfather comes from Mexico to help his widowed daughter, the boy secures work by claiming that his Spanish-speaking Abuelo is a knowledgeable gardener. Left to weed a landscaped slope, they inadvertently uproot good plants instead. It isn't until their employer returns and discovers their error that Abuelo realizes Francisco has lied, and he insists upon correcting the mistake. Bunting's message regarding honesty, integrity, and self-respect regardless of economic status emerges without any didacticism. Himler's muted watercolors are equally subtle and effective.

BUNTING, Eve. December. illus. by David Diaz. Harcourt. 1997.
Gr 2-4–Although Simon and his mother live in a cardboard house decorated with little more than a beloved picture of an angel torn from a calendar, they share their shelter with a homeless woman who has even less. On Christmas Eve, Simon is visited by an angel who resembles both the woman they have befriended and the calendar picture. The family's situation improves, and by next Christmas, they have an apartment with real walls. Bunting's style is gentle, but her message of maintaining humanity and kindness in the most extreme circumstances hits hard. Diaz's creative woodcut illustrations amplify the theme.

BUNTING, Eve. Fly Away Home. illus. by Ronald Himler. Clarion. 1991.
Gr 1-4–Andrew and his father live in an airport. They sleep sitting up, change terminals often, and do everything possible to avoid notice. While the sadness of their situation is certainly evident, so is the fact that Andrew's welfare is of prime importance to his dad. He arranges for Andrew's supervision while he goes to work and is determined that his son will attend school. Watercolor illustrations rendered in soft blues and browns capture the sterility and anonymity of the airport setting.

FLEMING, Candace. Boxes for Katje. illus. by Stacey Dressen-McQueen. Farrar/Melanie Kroupa Bks. 2003.
Gr 1-3–Set in post-World War II Holland, this story chronicles American relief agencies' efforts to mitigate the devastation of war by sending boxes of basic necessities to victimized children. When Katje in Olst receives a box from Rosie in Indiana, they begin a correspondence that burgeons into a relief effort that enables the entire town to make it through the frigid winter. Carefully researched illustrations reflect dress, architecture, and other period details.

FRIEDRICH, Elizabeth. Leah's Pony. illus. by Michael Garland. Boyds Mills. 1996.
Gr 1-4–When her family's possessions are auctioned because their farm has failed, Leah sells her beloved pony so that she can bid on her father's tractor. Her selfless act prompts the neighbors to bid small amounts for the rest of the family's livestock and tools and then return them. This realistic, moving picture of 1930s Dust Bowl life demonstrates people's ability to help one another through a difficult period. Oil paintings capture time, place, and emotions with grace and beauty.

GRAY, Libba Moore. Little Lil and the Swing-Singing Sax. illus. by Lisa Cohen. S & S. 1996.
K-Gr 4–When Mama Big Lil becomes ill, Uncle Sudie Man pawns his saxophone to buy medicine. Little Lil is determined to retrieve both the instrument and the joy it brings. The story ends fittingly on Christmas and will spark contemplation as to the real nature of giving. Stylized acrylic illustrations, reminiscent of the work of David Diaz, dance along in harmony with the musical text.

HEYWARD, DuBose. The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes. illus. by Marjorie Flack. Houghton. 1939.
K-Gr 2–A young country bunny longs to be chosen as one of the five Easter bunnies, but after having 21 children, her dreams must be delayed. When the babies are old enough, she trains them to manage the house. The wise Grandfather Bunny recognizes her value as a kind, loving, and skillful mother and gives her the most important Easter mission of all. First published more than 60 years ago, this story of dreams deferred but not abandoned still speaks with a strong voice, and the charm of Flack's old-fashioned illustrations remains evident.

HAZEN, Barbara Shook. Tight Times. illus. by Trina Schart Hyman. Puffin. 1983.
K-Gr 2–A boy longs for a dog but is told he cannot have one because of "tight times." After his father loses his job, the child finds a starving kitten that serves as a catalyst for the release of everyone's emotions. Told convincingly from the youngster's perspective, the story captures the family's sadness and tension as well as the intense love that overrides their struggle. Hyman's pen-and-ink illustrations are remarkably detailed, but their real strength lies in the range of emotions at play in the faces of her characters.

HOUSTON, Gloria. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree. illus. by Barbara Cooney. Dial. 1988.
Gr 2-4–Each year, one family in this tiny Appalachian community provides the village Christmas tree. Ruthie and her father choose the perfect balsam in the spring, but when he leaves to fight in World War I and does not return by Christmas, the pastor wants to give this honor to another family. In an admirable combination of resourcefulness and bravery, Ruthie's mother finds a way to fulfill the family's responsibilities on her own. Cooney's paintings capture the character of the landscape and fit the text perfectly.

JAFFE, Nina. In the Month of Kislev. illus. by Louise August. Viking. 1992.
Gr 1-4–Mendel the peddler is so poor his family cannot afford a single potato for Hanukkah latkes. When the children enjoy the wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen of Feivel, the wealthy merchant, he accuses them of stealing the smell. The matter is placed before wise Rabbi Yonah, who arrives at an ingenious solution that causes Feivel to change his miserly ways and assist the struggling family. Oil-and-woodcut art has the warmth and depth of stained glass and is as memorable as the story. Video available from Weston Woods.

KHALSA, Dayal Kaur. Tales of a Gambling Grandma. illus. by author. Crown. 1986.
K-Gr 3–Khalsa's vibrant colors and bold lines add dimension to her reminiscences about a grandmother who escapes from Russia, arrives in Brooklyn, catches a husband, and gambles to make ends meet. As eventual caregiver for the little girl, she passes along many "Laws of Life" while also teaching her granddaughter to play poker and blackjack. A funny and touching story about a priceless relationship that winks at some unorthodox financial arrangements.

LIONNI, Leo. Frederick. illus. by author. Knopf. 1967.
K-Gr 2–Fast on its way to becoming a classic, this fable tells of a family of field mice who are industriously preparing for the winter. They all work day and night, except for Frederick, who appears to be dreaming. As winter drags on and their stores are depleted, the mice discover that his memories and poetry provide a different kind of sustenance. Lionni's trademark collage illustrations earned him a Caldecott Honor award.

MCCULLY, Emily Arnold. The Bobbin Girl. illus. by author. Dial. 1996.
Gr 2-5–Ten-year-old Rebecca works in an 1830s linen mill in Lowell, MA. The girls and women work 13-hour days in an airless, damp environment, but most have no other alternative if their families are to survive. When the callous mill owners threaten to reduce their wages, the girls courageously organize a strike. McCully's text is firmly grounded in historical fact, and her misty, gray washed paintings with period details depict the drama of the situation as well as the time period.

MILLS, Lauren A. The Rag Coat. illus. by author. Little, Brown. 1991.
Gr 1-4–After Minna's coal-miner father dies from lung disease, her mother supports the family by making quilts. When Minna tells the "Quilting Mothers" that she cannot attend school because she doesn't have a coat, they make her one, telling the story of each scrap. When she wears the coat to school, she is teased by her classmates until she shares the stories and they realize that Minna is wearing pieces of their own memories. Watercolor illustrations with a soft, hazy quality amplify the gentle message without crossing over into sentimentality.

MITCHELL, Margaree King. Uncle Jed's Barbershop. illus. by James Ransome. S & S. 1993.
Gr 1-4–Sarah Jean's beloved Uncle Jed, the only black barber in the county, dreams of opening his own shop. His plans are delayed, first by paying for an operation for his niece and then by a bank failure during the Depression. He finally opens his business when he is 79, fulfilling not only his dream but inspiring Sarah Jean to pursue hers as well. Ransome's rich, warm oil paintings are the perfect complement to this tale of optimism in the face of discrimination and adversity.

MOLLEL, Tololwa M. My Rows and Piles of Coins. illus. by E. B. Lewis. Clarion. 1999.
Gr 1-3–Saruni wants to buy a bicycle to lighten the heavy load his mother carries to market. He saves his coins, but when he presents what he perceives as a small fortune to the bicycle seller, he is greeted with laughter and derision. His parents learn of their son's disappointment and find a way to reward him for his consideration and perseverance. Lewis's watercolor paintings authentically depict Tanzanian village life in the 1960s, the time of the author's childhood.

POLACCO, Patricia. My Ol' Man. illus. by author. Philomel. 1995.
Gr 2-4–Trisha and Ritchie spend their summers with their divorced father, a traveling salesman whose car is as cluttered as his mind is with stories, including one about a magic rock. When he loses his job, they go to the rock seeking help. Eventually, it is not the rock but the story of its magic that secures the father new employment. Polacco's focus on the goodness of this far-from-perfect man will endear him to readers, and her realistic details mitigate any sentimentality.

SANDBURG, Carl. The Huckabuck Family and How They Raised Popcorn in Nebraska and Quit and Came Back. illus. by David Small. Farrar. 1999.
Gr 1-4–The text for this fanciful tale is taken verbatim from Sandburg's 1923 Rootabaga Stories, although details in Small's illustrations indicate that he has moved it to the Depression era. After a fire leaves their popcorn farm looking like a blizzard has hit, the family travels the country with the father taking job after job. Despite its absurdities, the story parallels the travels forced upon Dust Bowl refugees and highlights the family cohesiveness that is their mainstay. Lively watercolors extend the humor and intrinsic warmth of Sandburg's tour de force text.

STEIG, William. Brave Irene. illus. by author. Farrar. 1986.
Gr 1-4–Mrs. Bobbin, a dressmaker, is ill, but her daughter is determined to deliver the ball gown she has made for the duchess in time for the evening's festivities. Irene struggles against whirling snow and a particularly malevolent wind. When the wind snatches the garment, she almost despairs, but the memory of her mother's face brings fresh determination. Irene's appreciation of the dress, not just as finery but as a symbol of her mother's livelihood, will spark discussion. The drama of Steig's carefully worded text is matched by his occasionally threatening but ultimately reassuring illustrations. Video and audio available from Weston Woods.

STEWART, Sarah. The Gardener. illus. by David Small. Farrar. 1997.
K-Gr 4–During the Depression, Lydia Grace Finch is sent from the family farm to stay with dour Uncle Jim in the city until times get better. In a series of letters to her parents and grandmother, she describes her determination to make Uncle Jim smile and her resolve to transform a barren rooftop into a magnificent garden. It becomes clear that this gentle heroine will thrive in any situation. Small's illustrations show the child's world from a variety of interesting angles. Video and audio available from Live Oak Media.

VINCENT, Gabrielle. Bravo Ernest and Celestine. illus. by author. Greenwillow. 1981.
PreS-Gr 2–Ernest and Celestine's roof leaks, but they have no money to fix it. The little mouse urges Ernest to play his violin in the street, but he is nervous and earns nothing. However, when Celestine sings along with him, they are a success. Although they spend their first earnings on presents for one another, they know that working together, they can earn more money the next day. What was impossible alone can be accomplished together. Vincent's pastel watercolors, showing the endearing creatures' abode in cozy disarray, are delightful.

VIORST, Judith. Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday. illus. by Ray Cruz. S & S/Atheneum. 1978.
PreS-Gr 2–On Sunday, Alexander's grandparents give him a dollar. He intends to save it and buy a walkie-talkie, but over the course of the week the money trickles away as he rents a snake, buys a melted candle at a garage sale, and loses bets to his brothers. Children will empathize as Alexander succumbs to temptation, but understand how quickly money can be frittered away. Cruz's crosshatch illustrations contribute to the humor and provide additional insight into the family dynamics. Audio available from Recorded Books.

WELLS, Rosemary. Bunny Money. illus. by author. Dial. 1997.
PreS-Gr 2–Max and Ruby, are buying a birthday present for Grandma, Ruby with a wallet full of money and Max with his lucky quarter. As he has mishap after mishap, big sister's cash diminishes until finally the lucky quarter must be used to call Grandma to retrieve them. Readers will laugh at Max's antics, relate to Ruby's predicament, and smile at Grandma's acceptance of their rather unusual birthday gifts. Wells's endearing illustrations include a way for readers to subtract as the pair spends.

WILLIAMS, Vera B. Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart. illus. by author. Greenwillow. 2001.
Gr 2-4–These two sisters have a difficult life. Their father is in jail for forgery, their mother works long hours, and they are often left on their own with little to eat. While these circumstances sometimes leave the girls sad, scared, or lonely, their love and support for one another prevent them from being overwhelmed. Williams's simple but powerful free-verse poems seesaw between their joys and sorrows, while her black-and-white pencil drawings and full-color portraits evoke every emotional moment.

WILLIAMS, Vera B. A Chair for My Mother. 1982.
WILLIAMS, Vera B. Music, Music for Everyone. 1984.
WILLIAMS, Vera B. Something Special for Me. 1983. ea vol: illus. by author. Greenwillow.
K-Gr 3–These books introduce Rosa, her mother, her grandmother, and the ways in which they use money painstakingly collected in a large jar. In Chair, all of the family's furniture has been destroyed in a fire, and the savings eventually buys a comfortable chair. In Something Special, Rosa uses the money for her birthday present, but has trouble deciding on a gift until she finds something that can be enjoyed by her whole family. When her grandmother becomes ill in Music, the jar remains empty until the child discovers a way to use her special birthday present to help with expenses. In all three stories, material possessions take an obvious backseat to the love and support of family and community. Williams's sparkling watercolors exude as much warmth as her lovingly told texts. Audio for A Chair for My Mother available from Listening Library.

WOOD, Audrey. The Red Racer. illus. by author. S & S. 1996.
Gr 1-3–Nona's old bicycle is a real "junker." She wants a Deluxe Red Racer, but it's too expensive. A wicked thought, gruesomely portrayed as an ever-growing green blob, nudges Nona to get rid of her old bike. She abandons it on the railroad tracks only to discover that her parents have purchased everything to refurbish it. She retrieves it before disaster strikes, and the family spends the weekend transforming it. Wood's humorous digital illustrations present an obvious lesson on parental love without being preachy.

WOODSON, Jacqueline. Visiting Day. illus. by James E. Ransome. Scholastic. 2002.
Gr 1-3–A little girl and her grandmother prepare to visit Daddy, who is "doing a little time." The child's hair is carefully braided, and Grandma fries chicken to share with the other families making the same long bus trip. The emphasis here is on the happiness of this day followed by the sadness of leaving and waiting for it to come again. Ransome's paintings contrast the vivid blues and greens of the "outside" with the dim browns and grays inside the prison walls.

ZEMACH, Margot. It Could Always Be Worse. illus. by author. Farrar. 1976.
Gr 1-4–A poor man lives with his wife, mother, and six children in a small hut. The crying and the quarreling make the man miserable, so he seeks advice from the rabbi. While the rabbi's surprising counsel doesn't change the man's situation, it provides a new perspective and he ends up a happy man. Zemach retells this Yiddish folktale with humorous hyperbole, and her watercolor illustrations depicting the chaotic happenings in the hut are both comical and lovely.

ZIEFERT, Harriet. A New Coat for Anna. illus. by Anita Lobel. Knopf. 1986.
K-Gr 3–Anna needs a new coat, but even though World War II is over, the stores are still empty and her mother has no money. Using their remaining possessions, Anna's resourceful mother barters for what is needed until finally, after a year, there is a finished coat. Lobel's luminous, meticulously detailed watercolors mesh well with the text.