This eight-part booklet discusses issues relevant to the lives of children in the United States today. Part 1 reports on poverty in America, suggests actions citizens can take to protect children and support families, lists risks facing America's children, and answers common objections to addressing children's issues. Part 2 lists the ranking of the United States among all nations on such measures of children's status as infant mortality rate, poverty rate, mathematical achievement, and educational expenditures. Issues that impact child welfare are examined in Part 3; these include child health, jobs and family income, poverty, the housing crisis, problems of adolescents, and school readiness. Part 4 presents state data for demographic and other factors, such as infant mortality according to race, children's participation in Medicaid, and poverty among children. America's ability to deal with problems affecting children is stressed in Part 5. Part 6 reports the results of polls of Americans' opinions on issues relevant to children. Part 7 poses and answers questions that relate to children's issues, and suggests questions that citizens should ask candidates running for state and federal offices. Part 8 lists steps candidates and officeholders should take to help solve problems related to children. (BC)