All Joseph Wanted

Name: All Joseph Wanted
ISBN: 9780027756418

by Ruth Yaffe Radin

For the child noticing a parent's struggles or feeling the weight of a family secret. This story explores the role reversal when a child helps a parent learn.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when you notice your child becoming aware of a parent's vulnerabilities or when a family is navigating a hidden struggle. It is a deeply moving story about Joseph, an eleven-year-old boy who carries the weight of a secret: his mother cannot read. As he witnesses the daily obstacles she faces, from navigating city streets to following basic directions, Joseph struggles with a mix of love, frustration, and the desire to protect her. This gentle middle-grade novel explores the complex role reversal that occurs when a child becomes the helper. It provides a compassionate lens for discussing shame, literacy, and the courage it takes for an adult to admit they need to learn. For parents, it offers a beautiful way to talk about empathy and the idea that we are all works in progress, regardless of age.

Love & Family Letters & Reading Empathy & Kindness Learning Disability Resilience & Perseverance Time with Mom Family & Siblings Shame & Guilt

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Depicts the emotional frustration and social isolation caused by illiteracy.

Sensitive Topics

The book deals directly with adult learning disabilities and illiteracy. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the social and emotional toll of the situation. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality that learning is a slow process.