Andrea Elliott, a Pulitzer Prize winner, takes readers on an immersive journey spanning eight tumultuous years covering the true story of Dasani, an imaginative girl living in a Brooklyn shelterIn "Invisible Child," Elliott intertwines Dasani's childhood with the historical backdrop of her ancestors, tracing their path from slavery to the Great Migration, the huge movement of African Americans from the South to the Northern states of America. Against the backdrop of New York City's escalating homeless crisis and widening wealth gap, Dasani navigates a world plagued by hunger, violence, racism, drug addiction, and the constant threat of being placed in foster care. 

On the streets, Dasani transforms into a fierce protector of her loved ones. However, when the opportunity arises for her to attend a boarding school and escape poverty, she faces a heart-wrenching dilemma: should she leave behind her family and herself in pursuit of a better future? This gripping narrative, based on a true story, explores the complexities of poverty, family bonds, and the challenging choices one must make to survive and thrive.

Dasani and her family's struggles bring to light the harsh realities of poverty, inequality, and homelessness that persist in our society. It not only enshrines the spirit of self-sacrifice & empowers us to rise above seemingly insurmountable odds in looking after our families - but it also serves as a call to action that inspires us to engage in conversations about social issues and strive for positive change in our communities.

At the Auburn Family Residence, their living conditions were dire, enduring spoiled food, lack of heat in winter, and cramped quarters. The 520-square-foot room they called home housed mice and roaches, while a yellow bucket served as their toilet. Dasani, along with her siblings, adapted to sleeping in any condition, even as dust-filled walls threatened their well-being.

Unnoticed amidst the bustling streets, she remained invisible, concealing her mother's struggle with opioid addiction, the incarceration of her uncles, and the tragic losses of her cousins to AIDS and gang violence. Dasani's siblings became her source of solace, but the fear of being separated from them always loomed large. 

By 2012, nearly half of New York's 8.3 million residents lived near or below the poverty line. Brooklyn, already divided between wealth and poverty, harboured a tribe of invisible individuals, including 22,000 homeless children like Dasani.

Growing up, taking on the responsibility of an older sister, Dasani embraced a motherly role, driven by a strong determination to shield her family from the brutal truths of racism, violence, addiction, hunger, poverty, and homelessness. Each morning, she would be awakened by the cries of her baby sister, Lele, compelling her to hurriedly make her way to the cafeteria, where she would warm a bottle and carefully feed Lele. Afterwards, Dasani would diligently divide the remaining food from the refrigerator among her siblings, often declaring that she had a lot on her plate so that her siblings could have a little more. With selflessness, she ensured that they had a meal for breakfast. With great care, she would then make sure that each of her siblings boarded the school bus punctually, even if it meant arriving late to her own classes.

Dasani went to Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts in Brooklyn. She excelled at concealing her circumstances, skillfully camouflaging herself by withholding personal information from her classmates and teachers. She remained unfazed by her classmates' pristine attire, despite wearing the same worn-out clothes every day. When questioned about her tardiness, she disliked her teachers' inquiry, who seemed unable to comprehend the reality of Dasani's life. It seemed as though she had embraced her circumstances and desired no pity or sympathy from anyone.

The school environment had a significant impact on Dasani's mood, as her happiness hinged on the events that unfolded during the day. If everything went well, she would be filled with joy. However, if she engaged in an argument with any of her classmates, it would instantly ruin her day. Once she got home from school, she had to dedicate a considerable amount of time to household chores, such as washing clothes and tirelessly sweeping and bleaching floors. The physical toll of her work was evident, leaving visible marks on her hands.

As we reflect on Dasani's story, it prompts us to consider the hidden struggles that individuals around us may be experiencing. It reminds us to approach others with empathy. We need to understand that everyone has their own battles, often concealed beneath a facade of normalcy.

By January 2015, the time had come for Dasani to embark on her educational journey at the Milton Hershey Boarding School in Pennsylvania. While she felt a sense of reluctance about leaving her siblings and the responsibilities she carried at home, she knew deep down that this opportunity was necessary for her own personal growth and to improve her life. Despite the uncertainties of who would take care of her siblings and manage the daily household tasks in her absence, Dasani recognized that pursuing further studies was a crucial step toward a brighter future.

At Hershey, the school ensured the well-being of its students by providing essential support. They sent children home with bags of groceries, hoping for their return after the break. Comprehensive medical care was available, including trained paediatricians and dentists. The school encouraged students to explore their hidden talents and interests, offering opportunities to participate in activities like field hockey and artistic pursuits. The entire experience was made possible through the funding provided by the trust, which alleviated a significant burden for Dasani.

During her enrollment at Hershey, Dasani came to a profound realization: she was not alone in her struggles. The student body mirrored her experiences and challenges, with approximately one in five students grappling with homelessness, over a quarter having endured parental incarceration, and half of the students bearing witness to drug abuse. This shared understanding fostered a deep sense of solidarity and empathy among the students, creating a supportive environment where they could find solace in one another's stories.

For children like Dasani, school served a purpose far beyond the acquisition of knowledge. It became a refuge, a sanctuary where they could seek respite from the harsh realities of their lives. They found more than just an education, they discovered routine, nourishment, and the guiding hand of responsible adults who understood their unique circumstances and were committed to their well-being. In this safe haven, their hungry minds were fed, and their spirits were nurtured, offering a glimmer of hope amid the challenges they faced outside the school's walls.

As Dasani dedicated herself to her school life, a dreaded incident unfolded back at home. One of Dasani's siblings fell to the ground, enduring violent tremors, while blood gushed from his nose. Supreme rushed to his side while Chanel dialled 911. The ambulance arrived promptly, marking the fourth hospitalization for Chanel and Supreme's children within a year. It was determined that the boy had smoked marijuana he found in the kitchen, attempting to test out its effects.

Adding to their desperate situation, it was discovered that Chanel was also under the influence of marijuana. The authorities reported her condition to Child Services. The following days proved to be the most challenging for Chanel. She was given four days to enrol in a drug treatment program and was denied any visitation rights to her children. The court entrusted Supreme with the responsibility of caring for the children, with the condition that he adhered to court orders to protect them from Chanel and maintain sobriety.

Chanel found herself wandering the streets, penniless and yearning to see her children, but being unable to do so. Overwhelmed by the separation, she made the difficult decision to admit herself to Mount Sinai Beth Israel detox centre. Meanwhile, Supreme faced his own struggles, as he found it impossible to single-handedly care for all seven children. When housing inspectors visited Supreme, they observed that the children were living in squalor, in an untended and unkempt environment. Consequently, the agency made the difficult decision to place the siblings in separate foster homes.

During their visit to Hershey, the caseworkers interrogated Dasani about her parents' treatment of the children, specifically questioning whether physical abuse was a regular occurrence. Understanding the potential repercussions of her answers, and being unaware of the recent developments at home, Dasani tactfully chose not to disclose the full truth in order to prevent her siblings from being separated. Instead, she utilised her newfound wisdom to skillfully respond, admitting that their parents sometimes revoked privileges and enforced strict rules but vehemently denied any instances of physical violence. Furthermore, she disclosed that Supreme showed favouritism towards his own children while treating the stepchildren with unwarranted harshness.

Little did Dasani know that her worst fear had already come true. The caseworkers delivered the devastating news of her siblings being placed in separate foster homes, causing her heart to shatter. The impact of this separation was profound and long-lasting. As a result, Dasani's ability to focus on her studies waned, and she became consumed by the distressing situation at home. Her grades plummeted, and she found herself frequently engaging in conflicts with her classmates. Despite being only two years away from graduation, she even contemplated dropping out. In response to her disruptive behaviour, the school took decisive action, banning Dasani from the premises and contacting the New York Foundling agency to arrange for her placement in a foster home.

Everything turned upside down for Dasani, and she couldn't help but blame herself for pursuing her studies and leaving behind her unstable family. She carried the burden of guilt, feeling as if she had selfishly abandoned her mother during a time of great need. With no other option, Dasani was placed in a foster home in New York. Now, the question arises: Will Dasani be able to find stability and rebuild her life in the unfamiliar environment of a foster home?

After being placed in a foster home, Dasani was eventually able to reunite with her mother, Chanel, thanks to the efforts of dedicated social workers who recognised the importance of keeping families together. Upon reuniting, a sense of relief washed over Chanel, who had triumphantly secured employment as a delivery service employee during the pandemic and conquered her battle with drug use. 

However, disappointment gripped her when she discovered that Dasani was banned from Milton Hershey School. Throughout their struggles, Chanel had held onto the vision of a brighter future for Dasani, hoping that education would serve as a pathway out of the challenges that plagued their family.

This reunion with her mother Chanel ignited a renewed sense of motivation within Dasani. Despite taking some time to prioritise her mental well-being, she mustered the determination to continue her high school education and ultimately became the first high school graduate in her family. Following her graduation, Dasani took a year's break to focus on her mental health before embarking on the journey of applying to colleges. She had frequent meet-ups with her brothers, sisters and her mother, and was finally able to pursue her education with less stress knowing that they were in stable conditions.

Dasani's path had been paved with challenges, but she had turned them into stepping stones towards a better future. Through her determination and perseverance, she shattered the cycle of poverty that had once confined her family. Her story was a beacon of hope for others, a reminder that no dream is too big and no obstacle is insurmountable.

In summary, Dasani's life journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of immense challenges. From her role as a caretaker for her siblings to her time at Hershey and the subsequent separation from her family, Dasani's story is one of strength, determination, and the pursuit of a better life. Despite the obstacles she faced, Dasani's unwavering spirit and desire for change propelled her forward. The support she received from her mother, Chanel, and the recognition she gained through media attention shed light on the systemic issues of homelessness and poverty. 

Through her experiences, Dasani teaches us the importance of empathy, compassion, and the need for collective action to address these pressing societal issues. Her story serves as a call to create a world where you, as an individual, regardless of your background, are given the opportunity to flourish and succeed. Let Dasani's resilience inspire you to be an agent of positive change in your community and beyond. Together, we can build a more compassionate and equitable society for all.