Nonfiction: If You See Them by Vicki Sokolik

So far, 2024 is turning out to be a year of great nonfiction, which is kind of a double-edged sword. Having plenty to choose from in any category is a great thing, but it also means hard decisions have to be made on which books to actually pick up and read. Vicki Sokolik's If You See Them: Young, Unhoused, and Alone in America focuses on the often overlooked population of "unaccompanied homeless youth," which is a policy term that most do not even know about unless they work in human services. Sokolik presents the reader with stories from the forgotten and often invisible, in an attempt to give them a voice.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that takes a look at the subset of the homeless population that is referred to as "unaccompanied homeless youth." Sokolik has compiled and presented personal stories of her own encounters with individuals who are often simply believed to be "runaways." There are many ways the current system has put barriers in place that hinder these kids from thriving, and this book highlights them, while also presenting personal stories of real kids who were given this label. People assume that there are already policies and procedures in place to take care of this population, but often these kids cannot be returned to their home and/or families because the situation is unsafe, while also falling outside of the foster care system. As the founder and CEO of Start Right, Now (SRN) in Tampa, Florida, Sokolik has personally worked with these kids to find them a safe place to live, make sure they attend (and finish) school, and ensure that many of them attend college. 

My Verdict: Informative, insightful, well-written, and honest, If You See Them is a must-read for anyone who works with children, as well as young adults. The population that Sokolik works with is so often unseen and overlooked, I am sure that many people reading this have encountered an unaccompanied homeless youth and had no idea, but will recognize some of the indicators mentioned in this book. It is a personal story, detailing how Sokolik came to be in her position, full of general guidelines and information, while also giving personal accounts from some of the people that Sokolik has worked with over the years. Often hard to read, but just as hard to put down, this book will surprise many, with its invaluable information and heart-wrenching stories.

Favorite Moment: Many of the kids Sokolik encounters are (understandably) angry, and more than a little combative. However, she is not afraid to confront them, tell them the truth, and consider pursuing them in the hope they become receptive to SRN's help and assistance. 

Recommended Reading: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond is another book that confronts an issue that is often ignored in this country.