Sparks, Martha Evans - Raising Your Children's Children: Help for Grandparents Raising Grandkids

[Matt Zimmer]

According to a USA.gov 2007 report the state of Kansas statistically showed that there were 29,026 children living in grandparent-headed households (4.1% of all
children in the state). There are another 8,739 children living in households headed by
other relatives (1.2 % of all children in the state). Of the children living in households
headed by grandparents or other relatives in Kansas, 16,184 are living there without
either parent present.
• 17,873 grandparents report they are responsible for their grandchildren living with
them [3,303 in Wichita and 2,210 in Kansas City]: 17% of these grandparents are
African American; 11% are Hispanic/Latino; 2% are Asian; 2% are American Indian
or Alaskan Native; and 67% are White. 38% of these grand-parents live in households
without the children’s parents present. 75.6% are under the age of 60; 13.2% live in
poverty.

Many reading this book review as pastors or spiritual leaders in local churches or youth organizations can attest to the swelling numbers cited above, or at minimum, the steady numbers of grandparents that are raising their grandkids. This NEW release Beacon Hill Press book by Martha Evans Sparks is a niche book that may not garner wider attention like The Shack or Blue Like Jazz but for those of us "on the streets" it will be profoundly helpful when coming along-side grandparents who are raising kids all over again.

Let me first speak to the practical use of this piece. This book does not have a DVD media component but it is written with Q and A at the end of chapters which is ideal for both individual study or small group/support group discussion. This book could very easily be the centerpiece for a community wide support night at your church (think big!).

This book has twelve chapters. You can view them in the TOC on the product page link here. You will find that the mental, emotional, financial, legal, physical, and spiritual challenges are all addressed in these chapters. It seems that Sparks has left no rock unturned in this issue. The market is limited somewhat in this area, especially when it comes to approaching the subject with some sort of Biblical balance. Folks, this is practical theology where your friends and congregants live. Give this book a serious look - If you do, the Lord will show you how doors might open up to possibly help grandparents in your community to find help, hope, and healing as they raise their grandkids.

Matt Zimmer
NPH

[Ryan Scott]

Thanks Matt. I imagine you're as tuned in as anyone to new books coming out. We're grateful for your contributions here. I'll just remind you to check out the Welcome Post on the board for the correct thread title format. We're trying to keep this forum easily searchable.

[Matt Zimmer]

Thanks for the format insight Ryan. I will note that for future posts.