A Castle on Viola Street

written and illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo
Picture book, HarperCollins, 2001

“In the old days before I was ten, we rented an apartment on Emerald Street. It was a small place to live in for one whole family, but somehow we made the room.”

So begins the story of Andy and his family who only dream of owning a home one day. Find out what happens when a special organization starts renovating houses on Viola Street, and a broken-down community becomes a hard working neighborhood that makes a lot more than dreams come true.

A forward by Habitat for Humanity founder, Millard Fuller makes the intent of the book clear to young readers. A portion of the autor’s royalties will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

“Warm colors enrich the cityscape vistas of laundromat, streets and interiors reflecting the glow of shared efforts. Rewarding.”
Kirkus Review

“…will further raise awareness of how volunteering and home ownership can make a difference, for communities and individuals.” – This text refers to the Library Binding edition.
ALA Booklist

“…unmistakably a book with purpose, it succeeds in introducing children to an important movement, with the art and design allowing them to see a story along with the message.”
Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin II
School Library Journal