Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2016 -

"How did the US government get into the business of detaining thousands of unaccompanied children...." This statement from the cover only begins to describe the focus of this powerfully written, well-researched volume, which will become a seminal work from which other scholars, clinicians, and child advocates will learn about this timely social justice issue. Anthropologist Terrio (Georgetown) blends deeply personal narratives from interviews with undocumented "alien" young people with a thorough review of archival research, interviews, and observation of immigration law, judicial decisions, and social and cultural politics, along with reports about the US Customs and Border Protection program and the facilities where undocumented children are detained. This volume is neither conservative nor liberal. It is a balanced presentation of the system, pro and con, for handling undocumented children who come to this country on their own or because they are brought here. The author tells the story with all of its multifaceted complexities in a way that is incredibly readable and insightful. An exceptional book that does real justice to an enormously important topic. Especially for college programs in social work, social policy, or justice. Detailed chapter notes; substantial bibliography and index.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic levels/libraries.