cover image When the Bough Breaks: The Cost of Neglecting Our Children

When the Bough Breaks: The Cost of Neglecting Our Children

Sylvia Ann Hewlett. Basic Books, $22.95 (346pp) ISBN 978-0-465-09165-2

Hewlett ( A Lesser Life ) declares in this powerful, solidly documented study that America's neglected children are our most pressing human and financial issue. Citing stunning statistics and examples of poverty aggravated by collapse of the family, inadequate health care and schooling, and drug-bred violent crime, the author seeks to arouse what she condemns as a shamefully irresponsible government and self-centered public. Hewlett reorders national priorities for the mammoth task ahead, outlining a plan of action based on prevention and ``bottom-line logic'' that unites ``conscience and convenience,'' calling on government, business, labor, education and public-health leaders to share the burden of raising and educating future generations. 50,000 first printing; first serial to Family Circle; author tour. (June)