I was fortunate to receive a copy of the Little Red Wagon movie to review.  So last night I sat down with my 7 year old daughter to watch the movie.   The movie is a true story about a 7 year old Zach Bonner  and his family (sister Kelley and mother).  Zach and Kelley start collecting items to help people who were homeless because of hurricane Charley. They use a a little red wagon to collect the supplies.   Then withing a year,  Zach started a non profit,  The Little Red Wagon foundation.  The foundation supplies backpack for homeless children filled with toiletries, food, and a toy.   The story continues when Zach gets the idea to walk to Tallahassee and raise money to help end childhood homelessness.   The story covers the families journey of the walk and growth of the nonprofit.

The director also include a secondary plot of a mother and child entering to to homelessness,  the downward spiral that can occur.   From the family losing there home, to losing a job, losing an apartment, to living in a car, and then finally finding hope.

What I loved about watching the movie with my kids was the questions my daughter and statements made:

Once my daughter saw that Zach go the idea and started collecting,  she stated “Mommy, Zach is a good boy”

Then as the movie continues she asked questions like ” Mommy why are those sleeping people in the gym?”

“Why are those kids outside at night?”

“Mommy Zach is really brave .. that is a long way to walk.. why is he walking”

“Mommy why are there so many kids without homes?”

“How come the mommy and boy are eating out of the garbage?”

My 11 year old son was in the other room doing his homework and he kept on coming in making comments.   He seemed to have a greater understanding of the idea of homelessness.   When the young boy in the movie had to give up his stuff and leave his home..

His comment was “The boy was being selfish not understanding his mom was having a hard time…. Mom the economy sucks”- of course I explained to my son the little boy did not understand and that was party of the story the little boy grew up the hard way.

I have to say his comment did break my heart.  I found a great level of compassion and understanding from my son to the idea of parenting.. Since my husband lost his job sometime ago.. My son does.. get the concept of sacrifice and sometimes things are not always easy.

I can highly recommend this Film! as a great teaching tool and dialogue starter with your kids.  Plus it is a uplifting inspiring movie.

So where can you see the film?

LITTLE RED WAGON, which opens at the Regal Oaks on Friday, October 5th

Disclosure: I did receive this movie to review.  the opinions stated above are completely my own.