Our children see how tough the world is around them and they are usually don't talk about it. This book changes that. Ten-year old Brittany Dodson has a hard time coping when she suddenly finds herself and her mother homeless and sleeping under a bridge along the Fox River in Aurora, Illinois. Her mother lost her job and her father, who was called into active duty while serving in the Air Force Reserves, is missing when his plane is shot down over Iraq. She is horrified when she is forced to work with classmates on a social studies project in which they are going to look for people who have lost their homes because of the economy and they want to meet at her house! When Billy, the class bully, takes a disliking to her and discovers her secret, she doesn't know what will happen. Will he tell her class that he discovered her sleeping under the bridge? Will they find her father? Why does Billy dislike her so much? Find out how Brittany's class helps her through the ministry of Habitat for Humanity and a few caring people. Now you can break the barrier of not talking about real issues your child sees and how much it bothers them. With the chapter questions that go with each chapter to help your child in an age appropriate way, they can feel safe and empowered to make a positive impact by their actions. Plus, it will keep the dialog flowing to talk about other things they see and don't like. Enjoy getting closer to your children by laying the framework down now.
About the Author: What motivated these authors to work together to make this book possible? Simply, it is our love for children and the knowledge that putting a useful tool (this book) in the hands of caring parents and significant adults can have a powerful impact on the parent-child relationship which of course benefits your child. We also see the value of a school teacher or a church using this book in positive ways that are age appropriate. All of our children see more then we realize and they come home and do not like to talk about it. Both authors are motivated by our faith in Christ to make a positive impact where we can. Since Wanda is a published author and Ron is immersed with Habitat for Humanity and is a retired teacher, they wanted to find a way to let God use them. Wanda creatively wrote an incredible children's story that draws the reader in chapter by chapter by utilizing real life events that children can observe but do not understand how to fix it. The unpredictable climax at the end of the book will give the loving adult plenty to talk about. Of course, your child or your classroom of students can read the book completely on their own for the pleasure of reading an exciting story. The authors are really no different than you. They are parents that have raised children and wanted to be the best parents they could. They know the world is a tough place and as the children grow up, they can be pulled in many directions and struggle with figuring out their place in the world they live. They both knew that despite how much they loved each of their children and grandchildren, it isn't always easy. The tough stuff is what they worried about the most. They knew that if they can create dialog with their children when they are young about the things they observe in school, with their friends, on the news, at church or anywhere else, things would be much better. That is why this book is written. They want that for you and hope that this book will help you develop the dialogue now so that it continues when your children grow older. Listening to what our children say is priceless. This gives them a chance to talk and to answer the discussion questions with each chapter. Then you can shape their thoughts without them even realizing it. May God help you to be the best parent (or grandparent or teacher) you can. Note: This is the first of a three part series, so the discussion starters will continue in those books too.