The One Day House

A young boy named Wilson longs to be able to help his elderly neighbor Gigi in this engaging picture-book about cross-generational friendship and community engagement, envisioning all the ways he will one day repair and improve her house. His ideas find a receptive and enthusiastic audience with

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various community members, from the ice cream man to his teacher, and eventually "one day" arrives...

Inspired, according to author Julia Durango's note, by an annual community event in LaSalle County, Illinois, in which neighbors volunteer to repair the homes of the elderly, disabled and needy, The One Day House offers a poignant look at the power of community engagement, in addressing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. I particularly appreciated the historical context Durango provided, in tying such activities to the long-standing American tradition, dating back all the way to colonial days, of community self-help and aid. I also appreciated artist Bianca Diaz's illustrations, which make use of collage and painted elements to depict a vivid, colorful world, one that is beautiful, even if impoverished. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about cross-generational friendship, community involvement, and creative responses to poverty.

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