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Troop 6000: The Girl Scout Troop That Began in a Shelter and Inspired the World
The extraordinary true story of the first Girl Scout troop designated for homeless girls--from the homeless families it brought together in Queens, New York, to the amazing citywide and countrywide responses it sparked.
Giselle Burgess, a young mother of five, and her children, along with others in the shelter, become the catalyst for Troop 6000. Having worked for the Girl Scouts earlier on, Giselle knew that these girls, including her own daughters, needed something they could be a part of, where they didn't need to feel the shame or stigma of being homeless, but could instead develop skills and build a community that they could be proud of.
New York Times journalist Nikita Stewart embedded with Troop 6000 for more than a year, at the peak of New York City's homelessness crisis in 2017, spending time with the girls and their families and witnessing both their triumphs and challenges. Stewart takes the reader with her as she paints intimate portraits of Giselle's family and the others whom she met along the way. Readers will feel an instant connection and express joy when a family finally moves out of the shelter and into a permanent home, as well as the pain of the day-to-day life of homelessness. And they will cheer when the girls sell their very first cookies.
Ultimately, Troop 6000 puts a different face on homelessness. Stewart shows how shared experiences of poverty and hardship sparked the political will needed to create the troop that would expand from one shelter to fifteen in New York City and ultimately to other cities around the country. Also woven throughout the book is a history of the Girl Scouts, and how the organization has changed and adapted to fit the times, meeting the needs of girls from all walks of life.
Troop 6000 is the ultimate story of how when we come together, we can improve our circumstances, find support and commonality, and experience joy, no matter how challenging life may be.
Giselle Burgess, a young mother of five, and her children, along with others in the shelter, become the catalyst for Troop 6000. Having worked for the Girl Scouts earlier on, Giselle knew that these girls, including her own daughters, needed something they could be a part of, where they didn't need to feel the shame or stigma of being homeless, but could instead develop skills and build a community that they could be proud of.
New York Times journalist Nikita Stewart embedded with Troop 6000 for more than a year, at the peak of New York City's homelessness crisis in 2017, spending time with the girls and their families and witnessing both their triumphs and challenges. Stewart takes the reader with her as she paints intimate portraits of Giselle's family and the others whom she met along the way. Readers will feel an instant connection and express joy when a family finally moves out of the shelter and into a permanent home, as well as the pain of the day-to-day life of homelessness. And they will cheer when the girls sell their very first cookies.
Ultimately, Troop 6000 puts a different face on homelessness. Stewart shows how shared experiences of poverty and hardship sparked the political will needed to create the troop that would expand from one shelter to fifteen in New York City and ultimately to other cities around the country. Also woven throughout the book is a history of the Girl Scouts, and how the organization has changed and adapted to fit the times, meeting the needs of girls from all walks of life.
Troop 6000 is the ultimate story of how when we come together, we can improve our circumstances, find support and commonality, and experience joy, no matter how challenging life may be.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2020
45 people are currently reading
2767 people want to read
About the author
Nikita Stewart
1 book29 followersNikita Stewart is the author of Troop 6000: The Girl Scout Troop That Began in a Shelter and Inspired the World. She is an assistant editor at The New York Times and previously covered social services and poverty as a reporter.
In 2020, the Newswomen's Club of New York honored her with the Ida B. Wells Award for Exceptional Coverage of Communities of Color. The organization recognized her work covering homelessness, mental health and poverty in 2018. She was a contributor to the groundbreaking 1619 Project, writing an essay about how slavery is taught in American schools and sharing the story of her paternal great grandfather who was enslaved as a boy.
She has been a finalist for the Livingston Award and an Investigative Reporters and Editors Award. In Troop 6000: The Girl Scout Troop That Began in a Shelter and Inspired the World, Stewart chronicles the triumphs and challenges of the first Girl Scout troop designed for girls in the New York City shelter system. Stewart joined The New York Times in 2014 after working at The Washington Post.
In 2020, the Newswomen's Club of New York honored her with the Ida B. Wells Award for Exceptional Coverage of Communities of Color. The organization recognized her work covering homelessness, mental health and poverty in 2018. She was a contributor to the groundbreaking 1619 Project, writing an essay about how slavery is taught in American schools and sharing the story of her paternal great grandfather who was enslaved as a boy.
She has been a finalist for the Livingston Award and an Investigative Reporters and Editors Award. In Troop 6000: The Girl Scout Troop That Began in a Shelter and Inspired the World, Stewart chronicles the triumphs and challenges of the first Girl Scout troop designed for girls in the New York City shelter system. Stewart joined The New York Times in 2014 after working at The Washington Post.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
September 5, 2022
One person can truly make a difference.
When Giselle Burgess found herself living in shelter in New York City with her children, she worked to develop a Girl Scout troop dedicated solely to girls experiencing homelessness. What started out with just a small group with a couple of girls has blossomed all over the city and inspired other troops across the nation and worldwide.
Troop 6000 blends Girl Scout history with an account of the homelessness crisis in New York. It is also a candid look into Burgess’s life, including both her personal struggles and determination to bring Girl Scouts to girls in shelter. It is an inspiring book, and I enjoyed following the troop’s journey.
When Giselle Burgess found herself living in shelter in New York City with her children, she worked to develop a Girl Scout troop dedicated solely to girls experiencing homelessness. What started out with just a small group with a couple of girls has blossomed all over the city and inspired other troops across the nation and worldwide.
Troop 6000 blends Girl Scout history with an account of the homelessness crisis in New York. It is also a candid look into Burgess’s life, including both her personal struggles and determination to bring Girl Scouts to girls in shelter. It is an inspiring book, and I enjoyed following the troop’s journey.
November 13, 2020
The text here is pretty straightforward and feels both like a lengthy newspaper article and also like some straight-up Girl Scout propaganda. But I love the Girl Scouts and it is a compelling, and even as promised inspiring, story. I also think that for some readers it would give a pretty eye-opening view on the ins and outs of NYC's shelter system, and perhaps could help some feel more empathy for the unhoused.
March 31, 2020
#Troop6000 #NetGalley
Girl Scouting began in the United States in March 1912.. Since then Girl Scouts have been instrumental in helping millions of girls explore their potential, take on leadership roles, seek challenges and learn from set backs, identify and solve problems in the community, while forming and maintaining healthy relationships. At the core of their existence is the intent to make the world a better place while respecting themselves and others. There is a high probability that a future president will one day talk of lessons she learned in scouting. Unfortunately membership and additional programs fees have presented many from joining. Fortunately this was not the case for Hailey and Karina Burgess. They were able to join a troop that subsidized their dues and special programs. This was only the start of a future that no one could have seen coming. Over time their mom became a troop leader and passionately committed to the cause. After losing her job in a dentist's office Giselle Burgess was lucky enough to get a job as a Community Development Specialist in Queens. The rest of her life was falling apart though and she was forced to move into a homeless center. While living there she worked tirelessly to make life as normal as possible for her family. But life in a shelter was filled with frustration, inhumanity and shame for the adults and children living there. Giselle Burgess decided that starting a Girl Scout troop at the shelter would help by giving the girls who joined a way to escape the day to day boredom. Author Nikita Stewert does an excellent job of sharing the often rocky adventure started with Troop 6000 at the Sleep Inn in Queens. We are there as the girls in the troop grow personally in ways that they, their families and parts of society never imagined possible. We are there as Giselle with the determination of her "girls" , support of her friends, family, other volunteers, members of the Girl Scout council, and at least one local community leader bring Troop 6000 to other homeless shelters.. This story is an inspiration to others and a reminder of how together we all can achieve more.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a heart warming story of the power of love and community. I recommend this book to anyone wondering how we can begin to mend a broken system. I recommend this book to anyone who needs to be reminded that homeless people deserve better, they deserve to be respected as people first.
Girl Scouting began in the United States in March 1912.. Since then Girl Scouts have been instrumental in helping millions of girls explore their potential, take on leadership roles, seek challenges and learn from set backs, identify and solve problems in the community, while forming and maintaining healthy relationships. At the core of their existence is the intent to make the world a better place while respecting themselves and others. There is a high probability that a future president will one day talk of lessons she learned in scouting. Unfortunately membership and additional programs fees have presented many from joining. Fortunately this was not the case for Hailey and Karina Burgess. They were able to join a troop that subsidized their dues and special programs. This was only the start of a future that no one could have seen coming. Over time their mom became a troop leader and passionately committed to the cause. After losing her job in a dentist's office Giselle Burgess was lucky enough to get a job as a Community Development Specialist in Queens. The rest of her life was falling apart though and she was forced to move into a homeless center. While living there she worked tirelessly to make life as normal as possible for her family. But life in a shelter was filled with frustration, inhumanity and shame for the adults and children living there. Giselle Burgess decided that starting a Girl Scout troop at the shelter would help by giving the girls who joined a way to escape the day to day boredom. Author Nikita Stewert does an excellent job of sharing the often rocky adventure started with Troop 6000 at the Sleep Inn in Queens. We are there as the girls in the troop grow personally in ways that they, their families and parts of society never imagined possible. We are there as Giselle with the determination of her "girls" , support of her friends, family, other volunteers, members of the Girl Scout council, and at least one local community leader bring Troop 6000 to other homeless shelters.. This story is an inspiration to others and a reminder of how together we all can achieve more.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a heart warming story of the power of love and community. I recommend this book to anyone wondering how we can begin to mend a broken system. I recommend this book to anyone who needs to be reminded that homeless people deserve better, they deserve to be respected as people first.
May 15, 2020
Thank you #NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released May 19th, 2020.
When I saw that there was a girl scout Troup formed in a shelter, I was very interested to learn how it came about and how it stayed long enough to show just how special it was.
This book discusses the family, especially the mom. It discusses homeless at great length. It gives numbers and it explains the very faulty system. It continues to circle back to the family. Usually when I read even just an article, I feel the need to skim through parts, if not most of the article. This was a full book and I didn't find myself skimming through any of it. It's written in such a way that you just want to keep on reading. And it's not a slow read as many factual books can be.
I'm not sure which is the more important thing that the author wants to tech the reader. The Girl Scouts is a great organization. Or the system that NYS has to help the homeless and the working poor is incredibly flawed.
When I saw that there was a girl scout Troup formed in a shelter, I was very interested to learn how it came about and how it stayed long enough to show just how special it was.
This book discusses the family, especially the mom. It discusses homeless at great length. It gives numbers and it explains the very faulty system. It continues to circle back to the family. Usually when I read even just an article, I feel the need to skim through parts, if not most of the article. This was a full book and I didn't find myself skimming through any of it. It's written in such a way that you just want to keep on reading. And it's not a slow read as many factual books can be.
I'm not sure which is the more important thing that the author wants to tech the reader. The Girl Scouts is a great organization. Or the system that NYS has to help the homeless and the working poor is incredibly flawed.
July 12, 2021
In addition to the inspiring, heartwarming story of Troop 6000, this book also provides a searing commentary on NIMBYism and an intersectional analysis of the houselessness and poverty crises. I also enjoyed learning more about the history and impact of the Girl Scouts organization.
July 10, 2020
The histories of the troop leaders, the drive for their families and the girls in the shelters they themselves lived is an inspiration. When you have so little yet strive to give back and lead is amazing. I learned a lot about Girl Scouts, I was one yet didn't fully grasp all that it entails while reading this book. Now I want a Thin Mint.
June 13, 2020
When I saw the description of TROOP 6000, a true story about a Girl Scout troop formed in a hotel being used as a homeless shelter in New York City, my interest was piqued. My first job out of college was a local newspaper reporter, and hotel homelessness was a hot button issue I covered a lot.
I wasn't aware this story was all over the news a few years back, but what started as a New York Times feature ended up getting nationwide coverage across media channels. The book - written by journalist Nikita Stewart, who originally broke the story in the Times - read like a newspaper article, and the former journalist in me appreciated how well executed it was. It includes a little bit fo Girl Scout history, some alarming stats about homelessness in NYC, but more than that, it's a story of hope, hard work, and dedication - and some amazing people who are changing the world for the better, despite their own hard cirumstances.
If you're looking for an uplifting story, TROOP 6000 is definitely one to check out. Thanks Random House and Netgalley for the complimentary copy.
I wasn't aware this story was all over the news a few years back, but what started as a New York Times feature ended up getting nationwide coverage across media channels. The book - written by journalist Nikita Stewart, who originally broke the story in the Times - read like a newspaper article, and the former journalist in me appreciated how well executed it was. It includes a little bit fo Girl Scout history, some alarming stats about homelessness in NYC, but more than that, it's a story of hope, hard work, and dedication - and some amazing people who are changing the world for the better, despite their own hard cirumstances.
If you're looking for an uplifting story, TROOP 6000 is definitely one to check out. Thanks Random House and Netgalley for the complimentary copy.
September 25, 2020
Troop 6000 is the story of the founding of a unique Girl Scout troop, but it’s also a story about a woman, her family, and life in a homeless shelter. The struggles the mother of five faces and her path of personal growth while starting a Girl Scout troop are shared. Being a former Brownie and Junior Scout, I was excited to read this! Giselle and her dream for a Scout troop in her homeless shelter made an interesting story and I really felt for her family during the triumphs and setbacks. The sobering stats of homelessness and the need for quality shelters will stick with me and putting a face on the problem really helps to bring it home. I also think current and former scouts and troop leaders will identify with the women and girls in the book and it will build a bridge with homeless families, which is the type of thing Girl Scouts is all about!!
Thanks to netgalley for my copy.
Thanks to netgalley for my copy.
February 24, 2020
Rating: 5/5 Stars
I absolutely adored this book. Reader, if you don’t know me, I work for Girl Scouts, myself, just across the river from where this story took place. Troop 6000 is like “folklore” in our council and I adored finally getting to hear the whole story. I personally work with the Girl Scouts in our council who are generally labeled as “underprivileged” and this book gave me the fuel I needed to continue my passion for this job! This book tugged on my heartstrings and made me often smile. This story relates to so many people who struggle, especially in city areas, with making ends meet, even while having a good job.
Plot: Troop 6000 tells the story of a mother and her three daughters (six children total), navigating the struggles of finding reliable/affordable housing in NYC until they are eventually homeless. While dealing with these struggles, the daughters continue on in the Girl Scouts and the mother as an Assistant Troop Leader. This is a story of hardships, Girl Scouting, and how to make it in the world even when you feel like you’re constantly being dragged back down.
I would recommend this to anyone wondering what Girl Scouts “really do”, is involved in the Girl Scouts organization, or is feeling down on themselves and needs a pick me up.
This book will be published on May 19, 2020. I will definitely be headed to the store to pick up a copy and urge you to as well!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I absolutely adored this book. Reader, if you don’t know me, I work for Girl Scouts, myself, just across the river from where this story took place. Troop 6000 is like “folklore” in our council and I adored finally getting to hear the whole story. I personally work with the Girl Scouts in our council who are generally labeled as “underprivileged” and this book gave me the fuel I needed to continue my passion for this job! This book tugged on my heartstrings and made me often smile. This story relates to so many people who struggle, especially in city areas, with making ends meet, even while having a good job.
Plot: Troop 6000 tells the story of a mother and her three daughters (six children total), navigating the struggles of finding reliable/affordable housing in NYC until they are eventually homeless. While dealing with these struggles, the daughters continue on in the Girl Scouts and the mother as an Assistant Troop Leader. This is a story of hardships, Girl Scouting, and how to make it in the world even when you feel like you’re constantly being dragged back down.
I would recommend this to anyone wondering what Girl Scouts “really do”, is involved in the Girl Scouts organization, or is feeling down on themselves and needs a pick me up.
This book will be published on May 19, 2020. I will definitely be headed to the store to pick up a copy and urge you to as well!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 6, 2020
This was available via the library and was excited to read it. I think I had read one article about the Troop so was interested in learning more about them via this book. Stewart takes the reader through the journey of the formation of the troop and their struggles and tribulations of dealing with homelessness, navigating the system as well as being a Girl Scout.
I have to say, I was a little disappointed. Maybe because I wasn't in the right mood for the book plus I think it was mismarketed: it's a little less about Troop 6000 itself and more about the homelessness they experienced. I didn't really feel I got to know the girls better (which can vary depending on how you feel as they are minors) and also didn't get a sense of more of what it was like to be a GS while experiencing this.
It was interesting to read more about how they dealt with homelessness, the system, how difficult it can be to navigate it and to get out. In some place like New York in particular is going to be tricky to navigate so it was insightful.
Overall, though, it wasn't for me. Stewart is a journalist and while as a chronicle of the Troop it was interesting but as a book overall it had more to be desired. It probably would have better for a magazine long read or something that runs in the Sunday edition of a newspaper.
It might be for you, or a Girl Scout you know. Recommend the library but it could be a good pick up for the right person.
I have to say, I was a little disappointed. Maybe because I wasn't in the right mood for the book plus I think it was mismarketed: it's a little less about Troop 6000 itself and more about the homelessness they experienced. I didn't really feel I got to know the girls better (which can vary depending on how you feel as they are minors) and also didn't get a sense of more of what it was like to be a GS while experiencing this.
It was interesting to read more about how they dealt with homelessness, the system, how difficult it can be to navigate it and to get out. In some place like New York in particular is going to be tricky to navigate so it was insightful.
Overall, though, it wasn't for me. Stewart is a journalist and while as a chronicle of the Troop it was interesting but as a book overall it had more to be desired. It probably would have better for a magazine long read or something that runs in the Sunday edition of a newspaper.
It might be for you, or a Girl Scout you know. Recommend the library but it could be a good pick up for the right person.
June 8, 2020
This is an inspiring story of a woman, her daughters, and a movement to give meaning and direction in difficult circumstances. From an almost anti-scouter, to an unwilling leader, to devotee, to crusader, Giselle Burgess has affected the lives of hundreds of young women, much of the time being homeless herself and battling illness, red-tape, and prejudice. We need more Giselles.
June 16, 2020
I am drawn to non fiction that informs me, teaches me and opens my eyes. Troop 6000 by Nikita Stewart is one of those books.
It's hard to see the subtitle on the cover but it reads 'The Girl Scout Troop That Began in a Shelter and Inspired the World'.
Giselle Burgess worked a full time job to provide for her five children. Rising rent, spiralling bills and health issues had her falling behind and finally.....homeless. She became one of the 60,000 people that are housed in one of New York City's homeless. shelters daily.
She and her five children lived for a year in a room at a Sleep Inn in Queens. Two beds, six people, one bathroom, no kitchen. Curfews, sign in and out procedures, rude 'resident care' staff and more. Giselle had worked for the Girl Scouts of America in the past and came up with an amazing idea - a Girl Scout Troop in the shelter. The ideas, ideals and community would help out not just the children living in the shelter but their parents as well.
Giselle is a force of nature. She made connections, weathered uncertainty, overcame adversity and kept on trying. And Troop 6000 was born. Investigative report Nikita Stewart wrote a story for The New York Times and that led to support, networking - and other troops. She followed the members of the original troop and the leaders for a year.
I became so immersed in the story of this group of women - their strength and determination. And that of the girls as well.
I chose to listen to Troop 6000. The reader was Robin Miles. She did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. I find that listening to a book immerses me in a story more. This time for sure - I felt like I was part of the conversation. Miles has a pleasant voice, easy to listen to, well enunciated. She captured the tenor of the book well.
"Troop 6000 is both the intimate story of one group of girls who find pride and community with one another, and the larger story of how, when we come together, we can find support and commonality and experience joy and success, no matter how challenging life may be."
It's hard to see the subtitle on the cover but it reads 'The Girl Scout Troop That Began in a Shelter and Inspired the World'.
Giselle Burgess worked a full time job to provide for her five children. Rising rent, spiralling bills and health issues had her falling behind and finally.....homeless. She became one of the 60,000 people that are housed in one of New York City's homeless. shelters daily.
She and her five children lived for a year in a room at a Sleep Inn in Queens. Two beds, six people, one bathroom, no kitchen. Curfews, sign in and out procedures, rude 'resident care' staff and more. Giselle had worked for the Girl Scouts of America in the past and came up with an amazing idea - a Girl Scout Troop in the shelter. The ideas, ideals and community would help out not just the children living in the shelter but their parents as well.
Giselle is a force of nature. She made connections, weathered uncertainty, overcame adversity and kept on trying. And Troop 6000 was born. Investigative report Nikita Stewart wrote a story for The New York Times and that led to support, networking - and other troops. She followed the members of the original troop and the leaders for a year.
I became so immersed in the story of this group of women - their strength and determination. And that of the girls as well.
I chose to listen to Troop 6000. The reader was Robin Miles. She did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. I find that listening to a book immerses me in a story more. This time for sure - I felt like I was part of the conversation. Miles has a pleasant voice, easy to listen to, well enunciated. She captured the tenor of the book well.
"Troop 6000 is both the intimate story of one group of girls who find pride and community with one another, and the larger story of how, when we come together, we can find support and commonality and experience joy and success, no matter how challenging life may be."
May 18, 2020
An inspiring book about overcoming hopelessness with self determination , Giselle who is a mother of five , cannot keep up with her rent and is evicted from her apartment. Her and her children, living in impoverished circumstances are bounced from one shelter to another. This Goodreads giveaway really showed the impact on the girls when as homeless and being denied much consideration by the system ,they find growing self esteem and care for each other when they enroll as girl scouts. Giselle initiates and implement s this program for all sheltered girls throughout NY,in the homeless system of PATH, which has a profound effect on their lives for good. There are a number of people who help her get this started but though sheer determination and despair over her daughters and her neighbors girls,she manages to encourage others to rise up and get involved. I was amazed to learn the statistics of homelessness in ny city alone and also saddened to see the way these people live and are treated by others.
June 9, 2020
Every man, woman and young adult needs to read this book. Every person who looks down at the homeless needs to be educated as to their plight. They are not in this situation because they want to be. Many work and work hard but just can't seen to get a break at times. Many self admit that some of the problems they have were brought upon themselves but they're trying to hard to rectify that. Does this make them a bad person or evil. Absolutely not.
What Gisele Burgess has done for herself and more importantly her children and young girls is phenomenal. And she did all this while being homeless, getting a new and stable home and by overcoming serious health issues.
Many kudos to Gisele, the Girl Scouts of America and all of the other homeless women and David too! Best of luck and keep up the great work!
What Gisele Burgess has done for herself and more importantly her children and young girls is phenomenal. And she did all this while being homeless, getting a new and stable home and by overcoming serious health issues.
Many kudos to Gisele, the Girl Scouts of America and all of the other homeless women and David too! Best of luck and keep up the great work!
January 4, 2024
I really loved the story that this book covers. Reading about Troop 6000 brought back memories of my time in scouting. I loved reading about the activities the scouts did and appreciated learning about the struggles this troop had.
That being said -- this book did not need to be this long and while I appreciated learning about the people at the heart of this story it felt very slow. I don't think the audiobook narratored helped. I was about to DNF the audiobook, but then I sped up the audiobook and it was fine.
Overall, I think you could read articles about this troop and get the same story.
That being said -- this book did not need to be this long and while I appreciated learning about the people at the heart of this story it felt very slow. I don't think the audiobook narratored helped. I was about to DNF the audiobook, but then I sped up the audiobook and it was fine.
Overall, I think you could read articles about this troop and get the same story.
April 10, 2021
I love this book and I love Girl Scouts. But, it isn’t all GS Positive. How can an organization like Gurl Scouts, ESPECIALLY Girl Scouts of New York City pay so little that their staff live in shelters? It’s the same issue with GSs out here in NJ. Pay your staff! Volunteers like me can’t support our girls without support from council.
These girls are inspiring and I hope each and everyone of them have wonderful, bright, and successful futures. They all deserve it. And Nikita Stewart deserves the accolades.
I can’t wait to see where the future takes them!
These girls are inspiring and I hope each and everyone of them have wonderful, bright, and successful futures. They all deserve it. And Nikita Stewart deserves the accolades.
I can’t wait to see where the future takes them!
July 11, 2020
Currently, it seems like society is beginning to confront myths and stereotypes with regards to diverse people groups. In this book, myths associated with homelessness are addressed through the story of Troop 6000, which began in a homeless shelter. The book follows the story of Gisselle Burgess and her five children and their struggles with homelessness. Burgess is bumped from place to place but finds stability for herself and her girls through her connection with the Girl Scouts organization. She helps establish Troop 6000 and because of that girls experiencing homelessness are provided with many positive opportunities to learn about the world around them.
(I learned a lot about the Girl Scout organization itself by reading this book!)
(I learned a lot about the Girl Scout organization itself by reading this book!)
February 14, 2021
Sweet story. Inspiring. A much broader perspective on what it means to be homeless.
August 17, 2024
The story is incredibly inspiring and the writing was not,
October 27, 2024
Fascinating look in to how someone with. So little could give so much!
February 11, 2021
SUCH a cool story!!! 10/10 recommend!!!
June 8, 2021
Did Guiding change your life course? It certainly did mine.
Here is a great book that shares the changes that can be brought to lives when females are empowered.
Here is a great book that shares the changes that can be brought to lives when females are empowered.
June 2, 2021
This book was an amazing mix of throwing me back to my days as a spark, brownie and guide, the amazing opportunities and learning experiences the program gives anyone who wants to get involved, and an incredible group of people who found a way to overcome adversity and tailor the program for those who need it most. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who was a former girl guide, but also anyone who is interested in learning more about homelessness and reading a first hand account of the discrimination faced by those living in shelters.
May 30, 2021
A story that not only shows the power, resilience and grit of the young women and girls of Troop 6000, but also sheds light on the diversity of homelessness, the stigma that surrounds individuals who experience homelessness, and the deep flaws in our shelter systems.
February 7, 2022
Very well written and powerful beyond its pages. Nikita Stewart brings the people in this book alive. My only disappointment is that I wish the book had continued. I became attached to the adults and children in this book. It would be my greatest wish that they, and the many people dealing with homelessness, are successful in moving on and out of the shelters and into homes. The Girl Scout movement should be available to all who wish to participate. I have always believed that Girl Scouting could "level the playing field"!
May 9, 2020
I received this ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank You!
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The author certainly had a point of view and sold it in a subtle way. Also, the writing seemed aimed at an eighth grade level. There is nothing wrong with that, but I think the book's message is for an adult, not a middle schooler.
The idea that homeless girls can benefit from belonging to Girl Scouts is a very important one. Based on personal information, however, I wonder whether the older girls in particular will be able to escape the dangerous lure of the street and not fall into the sad pitfalls that befall so many poor young people. I hope that in future these girls -- and the author -- will consider the amount of money and time donated to this troop in hope that there would be a success story. I was surprised that was not acknowledged. The many perks and trips and patches were financed by someone.
And my last question is: What about boys?
But, as a former girl scout volunteer, I am heartened by the story and hope the New York Council is but the first to offer programming to homeless girls.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The author certainly had a point of view and sold it in a subtle way. Also, the writing seemed aimed at an eighth grade level. There is nothing wrong with that, but I think the book's message is for an adult, not a middle schooler.
The idea that homeless girls can benefit from belonging to Girl Scouts is a very important one. Based on personal information, however, I wonder whether the older girls in particular will be able to escape the dangerous lure of the street and not fall into the sad pitfalls that befall so many poor young people. I hope that in future these girls -- and the author -- will consider the amount of money and time donated to this troop in hope that there would be a success story. I was surprised that was not acknowledged. The many perks and trips and patches were financed by someone.
And my last question is: What about boys?
But, as a former girl scout volunteer, I am heartened by the story and hope the New York Council is but the first to offer programming to homeless girls.
May 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book though at first I was a bit skeptical. The skill of the writer to tell the story won me over. I was engaged in the struggles of the adult leaders and particular the main person, Giselle, to raise her children though homelessness and other problems. This true story illustrates her grit and persistence. It also discusses in detail the homeless shelter system for families, in New York City. It made me more sympathetic to the cause of homes for low-income families. Giselle worked and couldn't afford rent. I am always interested in stories of "girl power" and examples of those who have raised themselves up against daunting odds. It would be easy to judge someone like Giselle and blame her for her "choices" in life. I refuse to do so. Life is a harsh reality for many, of which we don't like reminders. Judgment makes it no easier to live, nor solves any problems.
This book is well written and structured so the story flows as you read it.
This book is well written and structured so the story flows as you read it.
April 6, 2021
This is the story of a homeless single mom who started the first Girl Scout troop in a homeless shelter. Through her years of dedication, she both raised up her family’s circumstances but also enriched the lives of countless girls and women.
I wasn’t always super interested in all the details of meetings and public speaking events, but I did appreciate how open Giselle was about her life and all the bumps in the road she experienced.
I think it’s really important for people who have never lived in poverty to read a biographical story like this because it really shows how many barriers stand between low-income families and the chance to better their situation. So many families would be helped if there were systems in place to prevent them from being homeless in the first place, rather than waiting for it to happen and then compounding the trauma with uncertain shelter spaces.
I wasn’t always super interested in all the details of meetings and public speaking events, but I did appreciate how open Giselle was about her life and all the bumps in the road she experienced.
I think it’s really important for people who have never lived in poverty to read a biographical story like this because it really shows how many barriers stand between low-income families and the chance to better their situation. So many families would be helped if there were systems in place to prevent them from being homeless in the first place, rather than waiting for it to happen and then compounding the trauma with uncertain shelter spaces.
September 27, 2021
This was a very interesting story that I somehow missed in the news cycle. The book delves into the current homelessness problem in NYC from an unusual new angle. However, I felt the focus was more on the founder of the troop herself as opposed to the troop as a whole. It brings up a lot of discussion points without really providing any answers (not sure the author really could though).
April 12, 2020
An empowering nice read! Very comforting and inspiring! Identified also as a former Girl Scout. Strongly know this book will be a blessing to many!
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