Understanding Poverty: A Book Review

By Ria Mastromatteo, Educational Technology Consultant ()

As with most teachers, I'm really an avid reader. I read an excellent article in a periodical some time ago about poverty. The writer, Ruby K. Payne, has since written a book titled A Framework for Understanding Poverty. It is the best explanation of poverty and wealth I have ever read. Characteristics of both "situational poverty" and "generational poverty" are clearly defined. Characteristics of the middle class and the wealthy are also defined and all are compared.

The best thing about the book is that the last few chapters give teachers and parents specific ideas that will help to ameliorate the differences between the classes.

If you want a REALLY good read, try it. You can order it through aha!Process, Inc., P.O. Box 727, Highlands, TX 77562. The phone number is .

By the way, this is NOT a paid political ad just a topic that affects us all.