Pitching in for Eubie

Mail deliveries containing letters with college admissions decisions can generate a great deal of excitement for families across the country, and the Shorter family is no different. The special envelope that Eubie received did indeed bring an offer of admission and a merit scholarship. However, the good news is tempered with a notification that Eubie and her family will need to contribute $3000 toward room and board, an amount that goes beyond their means. Determined to help Eubie make her dreams come true, the whole family decides to take on extra paid jobs to raise the necessary funds. Unfortunately, younger sister Lily is too young to hold a regular job, and her entrepreneurial projects fail to take off until a chance encounter generates a unique opportunity for her to earn money and pitch in for Eubie. Readers will appreciate this story for its encouraging message about family members going to any lengths to support one another as they strive toward their goals. Underlying this message is a powerful set of economics lessons associated with the costs of education, budget constraints, saving, and work. E. B. Lewis's touching illustrations bring these lessons to life and add a rich layer of emotions to the compelling text. Pitching in for Eubie is a first-rate book that will help children see another view of how families handle economic constraints in a creative and positive way.

This book is well written, beautifully illustrated, and from the heart. I can't say enough good things about it. It teaches children about loving families, working hard to meet goals, and giving to others. My boy is only two, and he loves hearing about how Lily tries to help her sister. Families of any color would enjoy this book. Lily's sister Eubie is accepted to college, but has to come up with $3000 to supplement her scholarship. Mother, father, brother, Eubie, and Lily all take on extra jobs to raise the money. Lily, being the youngest, has the hardest time finding a job that will pay. Ultimately, through her persistence, she finds a way to pitch in. This book provides a sweet reminder of core values I want my child to learn.