The Homestretch

Anne de Mare and Kirsten Kelly's PBS-aired Independent Lens documentary follows three Chicago teenagers who are living apart from their respective families. The film identifies the young trio as being homeless, although none are actually on the street or in homeless shelters. Kasey says she moved out of her mother's house due to stress created by hostility towards Kasey's self-identification as a lesbian. Anthony, working two jobs and studying for his GED exam, is also the father of an infant in foster care. Roque, who has the added burden of being an illegal immigrant, is sheltered in the basement of a sympathetic teacher. Fighting to stay in school while struggling with emotional and financial issues, the young subjects here are both highly intelligent and deeply articulate (Kasey and Roque discuss Shakespeare, and Anthony reads his own poetry before the camera)—and are acutely aware of the potential of higher education to help them move to a higher socioeconomic level. Presented in both full-length and 53-minute abridged versions, this documentary offers a powerful look at the non-academic challenges that some teens face while trying to complete high school. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)