What if you were an inner-city elementary student managing the demands of school without basic necessities? Could you be a productive student if you didn’t have love, encouragement, money, transportation, food, housing, or consistent parenting? Could you walk in their shoes? These 29 short stories are intended to open our eyes and hearts to the challenges faced not only by this growing group of youngsters but by the teachers and administrators responsible for their success. Each story is followed by a short lesson to educators and a reflection to everyone who wants to help children. This is a call to action for all of us-parents, community members, professionals, organizations, and corporations.