Invisible Americans

The Tragic Cost of Child Poverty

By: Jeff Madrick

Narrated by: Holter Graham

Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

"A clarion call to address this most unjust blight upon the American landscape. Madrick has provided a valuable service in presenting a highly readable and cogent argument for change." (Mark R. Rank, The Washington Post)

By official count, more than one out of every six American children live beneath the poverty line. But statistics alone tell little of the story. In Invisible Americans, Jeff Madrick brings to light the often invisible reality and irreparable damage of child poverty in America. Keeping his focus on the children, he examines the roots of the problem, including the toothless remnants of our social welfare system, entrenched racism, and a government unmotivated to help the most voiceless citizens. Backed by new and unambiguous research, he makes clear the devastating consequences of growing up poor: Living in poverty, even temporarily, is detrimental to cognitive abilities, emotional control, and the overall health of children.

The cost to society is incalculable. The inaction of politicians is unacceptable. Still, Madrick argues, there may be more reason to hope now than ever before. Rather than attempting to treat the symptoms of poverty, we might be able to ameliorate its worst effects through a single, simple, and politically feasible policy that he lays out in this impassioned and urgent call to arms.

©2020 Jeff Madrick (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"If our economic policies are keeping such a large percentage of children in such a cycle of poverty, why does society permit it? Because we don’t agree on the severity of the problem or where they poverty line should be set. We don’t agree on whose fault it is, often blaming the poor for bad habits, little initiative, and a tendency to have children they can’t support. In other words, the 'culture of poverty', which Madrick attacks forcefully.... A useful book that reveals what might be considered a secret shame but that is hiding in plain sight." (Kirkus)

“Thoroughly researched. . . Madrick’s research shows that current efforts are woefully inadequate, and he makes a reasonable plea for change.” (Kathleen McBroom, Booklist)

"A clarion call to address this most unjust blight upon the American landscape. Madrick has provided a valuable service in presenting a highly readable and cogent argument for change.... Grass-roots groups across the country have been organizing and working to fundamentally change the conditions that disenfranchise so many Americans, poor and nonpoor alike. They would do well to use Invisible Americans as a launching point." (Mark R. Rank, The Washington Post)