Grandma Katie and Poppie Charlie live in the lovely town of Treetown, USA, where everyone pretty much looks like them. When Grandma Katie meets Olivia, a refugee from Africa, she starts to think about the great big world and the many kinds of people who live in it. She remembers how blessed she is to live in the United States, and decides to help Olivia achieve her own dream of freedom.
Olivia narrowly escaped the wrath of an evil dictator in her home land, and she could not bring her family to the United States. She needs to find a home large enough for her family to live. Grandma Katie and Poppie Charlie pray to God for guidance in helping Olivia, and decide to open their own home to her family.
When Olivia returns to Africa to help her family escape persecution, they are all sent to a horrible prison. Soon, everyone in Treetown is praying for their safety: Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and Muslims. The people of Treetown are confident in the power of God to overcome Olivia's trials, but it will take all of their collective faith to bring the family to safety.
About the Author: Kathleen Lester lives in the Cincinnati area with her husband, Charles, who was also her second-grade sweetheart. They have two grown children and several grandchildren. A retired teacher and civil rights worker, Lester volunteers with the Outreach Mission and Wellness Center of Cincinnati, the Irish-American Heritage Center, and the Irish-American Theater Company. She also sews dresses for Haitian orphans.
Lester and her family are proud of their religious diversity. She wrote The Town That Prayed A Miracle to inspire children to pursue social justice, embrace religious tolerance, and remember the power of prayer. Francis Edwards's colorful artwork helps illustrate the touching story of faith and generosity.
