I am contacted by Publishing Companies about books that are soon to be/ or have just been released to the public. They contact me if they think the topics are/or might be of interest to Foster Parents or those in the child advocate arena.
My Thoughts by Carolyn Walker, TFFA Editor
Right now I am reading a great book by Elaine K. Williams titled ‘The Sacred Work Of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren’ (published by Balboa Press). Elaine is licensed in Social work; her area of expertise include trauma, loss transitions, and inter-generational communications.
Increasing numbers of children in the US are not being raised by biological parents. According to Census data from 2010, 4.9 million children in America are being raised by their grandparents. In this book Elaine explores the growing trend of grandparents parenting for the second time.
Williams’ book carefully considers the impact of abuse, neglect and abandonment on children and their developmental growth. She also reflects on a wide range of issues including the physical, psychological, emotional, social and inter-generational challenges grandparents and their grandchildren face. Williams also shares insights gathered directly from the parenting grandparents she interviewed for the book who shared their stores so openly. Through storytelling, this author honors the work and sacrifices parenting grandparents make in order to raise their grandchildren.
I highly recommend this book for those raising their own Grand-Children; in fact, I plan to give a copy to a relative of mine that is raising her granddaughter.
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Another book that I recommend is ‘The Sparrow’ from the new ‘Emaji Nation Series’ by Denna M. Davis.
Finding where you belong in high school has never been harder. For years high school groups have been broken down into cliques such as band geeks, brainiacs, and jocks. As unfair as those labels are, some of today’s kids are also faced with the added pressures of being bullied for various reasons. Luckily for everyone, there are also those amazing young people who are willing to stand up to bullies, take a stand against injustices and make a difference in the lives of others.
Author Denna Davis, in Emaji: The Sparrow as the first part of the Emaji Nation Series, shares the story of a young, black heroine who discovers how to believe in herself, stand up to others and find her purpose in life.
Sixteen-year-old Amanda is ready for another boring summer with her dad when destiny changed her plans. She discovers that her grandmother, Rose, wants her to come stay in Minnesota for the first month of her summer break.
Arriving in Minnesota, Amanda finds her grandparents have been keeping secrets. Her Mimi-Rose gives her a letter with a cryptic message, and then her grandfather reveals a hidden chamber in the library floor. In the cavern, Amanda finds a portal with runes she recognizes from the letter. She decides to enter the codes and see where it leads. What follows is a trip through the portal to the nation of Emaji where she meets Solomon who offers to take her to the council. In a land of people with unique colors and purposes, Amanda begins her Journey of Discovery where she learns about the history of Emaji, the six magic powers of the kishu and the prophecy of Ha’Ankor – The Sparrow.
In an original coming-of-age story, Emaji Nation: The Sparrow explores:
*Facing bullies and how to stand up to them
*Interracial relationships and looking past the color of a person’s skin
* The power of prayer and faith *Challenges and inspires teens to remember what is popular is not always what is right
*How choices we make in life lead us to our destiny
*Standing for what is right is far more valuable than the greatest riches
*Imagination is only bound by the limits you place on it.
“Although Emaki Nation is about a black girl’s journey as she leaves childhood behind and becomes a woman, says Davis, “learning to believe in yourself and discover your purpose in life is a lesson for us all.” www.emajinationseries.com
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