As I finished reading Almost Home: Helping Kids Move from Homelessness to Hope, hurricane Sandy has devastated the east coast right in the areas that Covenant House has shelters for the homeless teen population. I keep getting updates on what an extra hardship this has caused and what they need immediately to keep the doors open. The disaster has put an emphasis on what happens to kids who live on our streets. This book puts a face on children who have been abused, abandoned and preyed upon. These kids, our kids, have slipped through the cracks and are floundering just out of sight.

Almost Home sheds a light on the lives of 6 young people who let us look at what landed them alone on the streets of the United States and Canada, and how the volunteers and staff at Covenant House give them a safe place to sort through the challenges they face to attaining a successful future. Kevin Ryan and Tina Kelley have written a story balancing profound sadness with the sprinkling of hope. They also end their book with ideas on how you can make a difference in a child’s life, right where you are. 5 stars for a well told, informative and enlightening account. This is a great gift for teachers, social workers, those in ministry, and families that have a heart for helping children. There’s an extra bonus to purchasing this book; money from the sales go to help Covenant House continue their outreach here in North America, and also in South America. ( )

6 heart-rending stories of young persons who ran away from home and families that seemed dysfunctional to them, and what Covenant House does in hopes of rehabilitating them and their hopes for finding lifelong peace within and living normal lives. ( )