Street Child: A Memoir is the shock-inspiring story of a young boy who escapes his increasingly dysfunctional and violent middle class home. Remanded into state custody at ten years old, he embarks on a journey through the foster care system only finding safety and solace from unlikely heroes on the seedy downtown streets of Seattle and San Francisco - where children are victims and victims are considered criminals. While dodging serial killers and predators, including a juvenile court judge who oversees his custody, these children develop familial bonds while protecting each other in an increasingly dangerous - yet invisible world.  By telling these authentic stories with often times devastating outcomes, he articulates the stark reality of life on the streets for countless young people. 

Many of the children in Street Child were featured in the movie STREETWISE which was nominated for an Academy Award.

Street Child is a journey no child should ever endure.





 

"Street Child is not for the faint of heart."

Nicole Broduer, THE SEATTLE TIMES (Article)

"Street Child is TRIUMPHANT! "

Todd Holland, Multiple Emmy Award winning Director (30 Rock, Malcolm in The Middle)

"Prepare to be forever changed!"

Larry Flick, Host, SiriusXM Radio

Street Child is a powerful depiction into these homeless children’s lives during their most desperate times of survival. Their sweet camaraderie, funny antics, and intimate relationships move your heart and soul into a new understanding and personalization of their noble plight.

Author Justin Reed Early cultivates hope while bringing new life to his childhood friends. The children portrayed in Street Child are authentic – the stories are real.

 



 

 

Photo by: Todd Franson

 

 THE STATISTICS:

 

Each year, approximately 2 million young people (the population of Manhattan) experience homelessness in America. In 2008, over 740,000 (the population of Seattle) documented contacts were made by youth outreach professionals in the United States (as per the National Alliance to End Homelessness) and of those, less than 43,000received emergency shelter and less than 3,600 were accepted into a transitional housing program.

In New York City, it is estimated there are 7,000 homeless youth on the streets each night - there are only 72 emergency shelter beds for them. 

  

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit various non profit 501(c)3 agencies. The author continues to provide books at no cost to homeless children currently in shelter and speaks frequently in various cities across the United States.