American children are in crisis Inner cities are filled with violence and massive drug problems families are dysfunctional illiteracy is rising society s efforts to combat educational failure poverty crime and disease have created an enormous economic debt for the future In this compassionate and controversial book Irving Harris argues that the key to breaking the cycle of poverty hopelessness and violence is very early intervention we must provide adequate caregiving to children from birth to age three and to stop the cycle even sooner we must discourage pregnancy among adolescents Harris a successful businessman has devoted himself to children s causes for the past forty years and has initiated and funded numerous programs geared to children and families He presents data from research in pediatrics social work nursing psychology and education showing that children who receive early nurturing and stimulation are far more likely to have success in school and in life He urges that the government build more day care centers and train more caregivers and public health nurses for babies and small children that schools offer instruction and counseling in prenatal care and that there be easier access to contraceptives and abortions in order to reduce unwanted pregnancies