One of the Problems of Everett Anderson — Lucille Clifton

A sensitive exploration of a difficult problem by an award winning author/illustrator team.

"One day in school, just out of the blue,"
Everett whispers, "Greg started to cry,
and I went over to ask him why

and he looked up and sighed,
'I can't tell you.'
And he had the saddest, saddest face
like he was lost in the loneliest place."

Everett Anderson doesn't know what to do when his friend Greg comes to school with bruises, or when Greg cries and can't explain what's wrong. Should Everett tell the teacher, or would that only make things worse for Greg? Everett's sister thinks maybe it's none of their business, but he can't stop worrying about his friend. Then, when Everett Anderson tells his mother, he opens a window of possibility.

This tender story perfectly evokes the confusion, concern--and eventual hope--one little boy feels in the face of a very difficult problem.