"ANYPLACE BUT HERE: Young Alone, and Homeless: What To Do"

Freelance writer Switzer, who (admirably) gained the trust of numerous runaways, compellingly depicts the hardships and horrors of the streets. The reasons kids run are many; often, family breakdown and abuse makes the streets seem safer than home. But nothing could be further from the truth, as reiterated in these real experiences: you can't get a job without an address, while every homeless day presents risks of serious illness and even death. (Unfortunately, despite the author's warnings, group homes constructed by teens in abandoned buildings persist in sounding romantic here--garbage, TB, etc., notwithstanding.) It's clear that the kids who survive best are those who seek organizational help (Switzer provides good resource lists, conveniently appended to relevant chapters). Those who do next best are smart enough to plan and organize, skills rarely found in runaways; still, these are also the kids most likely to find this helpful book. It's to be hoped that others, still at home, will be inspired to follow the guidelines for getting help, rather than trying to solve their problems in the streets. Photos not seen.