This indispensible volume explores issues related to families headed by one parent, including how single-parent families affect children and communities, and the challenges they face. Readers will also examine what government policies should be in place to help them. Compelling essay sources include Barack Obama, who argues that stronger federal economic and social policies would help single-parent families. Another essayist, David Green, argues that poverty and income inequality hurt children more than family structures do. By using their critical thinking skills while reasoning through varying viewpoints, readers will develop intelligent opinions about single-parent families.