Fran Lewis reviews “Billy Had to Move”

Billy Had to Move: A Foster Care Story

Creating a safe a nurturing environment for a child that has suffered a family loss requires empathy and compassion on the part of those responsible for providing care for this child. Fearful and apprehensive at first when placed in an unknown home with strangers, any young child might regress and hide within themselves not wanting to speak for fear of saying or doing the wrong thing.

Author Theresa Ann Fraser with along with the colorful and expressive illustrations by Alex Walton brings the story heartwarming story titled Billy Had To Move: A Foster Care Story  for readers of all ages.

How do you tell a young child that his life is about to dramatically change because the person that loved and cared for him , his grandmother passed away. A social worker came to his school and explained what happened to this young boy and Billy was trying to process what he was told yet afraid and fearful of his future. Mr. Murphy the social worker explained that he would be living with another family, he would take him to his grandmother’s funeral and then hopefully find him a permanent home. That’s a lot for him to process and who could blame him for shedding tears. Billy was worried about his cat Miffy but , Mr. Murphy told him that someone was going to care for the cat. Then things changed and he was brought to a home with whatever was packed for him and was greeted by a nice lady named Amy. From the moment she opened the door and greeted him you could tell that this social worker really cared about Billy and must have researched the couple making sure they would care for him like he was their own.

This is a powerful story that reminds social workers, guidance counselors, foster parents like Amy and her husband, that these children need love, understanding, a feeling of security and hugs like their own children. They need to know they are wanted and safe from harm as the author continues letting us get to Amy and her daughter Colleen that Billy seemed to fall in love with right away.

Billy had a lot of adjustments to make and from the start Amy took the time to talk with him and make him part of the family but Billy bedded more. Anger can set in , anxiety and panic and these issues and more are discussed in this book as the author through Mr .Murphy and Amy’s intuitiveness realize that Billy needs a way to express his feelings, fears and anger in a way that was safe, orderly and controlled. The images of his grandmother remain in his mind and the illustration that encompasses it will warm your heart to Billy as his memory holds him tight. The past will always be part of his life and his love for Colly is exceptional and real. Amy seems to be concerned about his emotional status and with the help of Mr. Murphy, Mrs. Woods is a introduced and her role as a child and play therapist is vital to his progress if he takes to her and will allow her to teach him to use play therapy as a way to express his feelings, thoughts and fears hoping this mode of therapy helps will deal with the loss of his grandmother and not knowing where is mother might be. Hard for any child ay any age.

Headaches, stomach aches, physical problems and dreams that keep him awake are just some of what Billy experiences and has to overcome. Foster care is a responsibility for those adults that undertake it. As an educator I have worked with foster parents of some of my students and was able to see the signs of caring parents and those that requires I take steps with the social workers to find out why some children might need another placement. The author shows the positive side of foster care and the focus is on helping not only Billy but Amy and her family to teach Billy ways to overcome his sadness, find ways to express himself and know that’s it’s okay to feel frustrated and scared. Through Mrs. Woods he might even learn that using the sand tray and other modes like art or painting or games to express himself is a positive start.

The illustrations alone tell the story and the facial expressions created are realistic. The author includes information for caregivers and resources for educators, foster parents and counselors. Foster parents need to be monitored more carefully and the author through Mrs. Woods let’s Billy know and understand that he can report or tell a grownup he trusts if someone is hurting him or he’s afraid of a person for some reason.

The ending is open ended as we learn more about where Billy will live but will it be permanent? Will they ever find his mother? Will Amy and her husband adopt him and give him a permanent home?

Will Billy figure out all of his feelings that get him mixed up?

Although the book is geared for children ages 4-7 I think that even older children will benefit from reading about Billy and not every foster care situation is negative. I hope the author allows readers to continue and learn where he finds himself when he’s older.

Once again author Theresa Ann Fraser and illustrator Alex Walton raises the bar and enlightens parents, teachers, counselors, social workers, therapists and even children to understand the true meaning of caring and nurturing a young child. Great for group discussions, guidance counselors that have small group discussions and school administrators who need to monitor along with social workers the care of the foster children in their schools.

This review courtesy of Fran Lewis Just Reviews

Points North [PB] -- RESALE ONLY

PN-PB-RESALE
$27.95
Discover Hidden Campgrounds, Natural Wonders, and Waterways of the Upper Peninsula
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Product Details
UPC: 978-1-61599-490-8
Brand: Modern HIstory Press
Binding: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Author: Mikel Classen
Pages: 240

Featuring more than 150 color photos of the U.P.'s most beautiful, historic, and natural locations!

I've spent many years exploring the wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.), and one thing has become apparent: no matter what part in which you find yourself, fascinating sights are around every corner. There are parks, wilderness areas and museums. There are ghost towns and places named after legends. There are trails to be walked and waterways to be paddled. In the U.P., life is meant to be lived to the fullest. In this book, I've listed 40 destinations from every corner of the U.P. that have places of interest. Some reflect rich history, while others highlight the natural wonders that abound. So, join in the adventures. The Upper Peninsula is an open book--the one that's in your hand.

"Without a doubt, Mikel Classen's Points North needs to be in every library, gift shop and quality bookstore throughout the country--particularly those located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Not only does Classen bring alive the U.P. through his polished words, his masterful use of color photography also makes this book absolutely beautiful. Points North will long stand as a tremendous tribute to one of the most remarkable parts of our country."
--Michael Carrier, author, Murder on Sugar Island

"Mikel Classen's love for Michigan's Upper Peninsula shines from every page in Points North, a fascinating insider's guidebook to the exceptional beauty and history of Michigan's far north. Whether you're still in the planning stages of your trip, or you're looking back fondly on the memories you created--even if you wish merely to enjoy a virtual tour of the Upper Peninsula's natural wonders from the comfort of your armchair, you need this book."
--Karen Dionne, author of the international bestseller, The Marsh King's Daughter

"Many of the places in Points North may sound familiar, but Classen has spent time exploring them all, finding out the wonders others drive by and miss. And some of them may baffle you as much as they did me: the UP has a WWII glider museum? Classen has scoured every inch of the UP, visiting every campground, ghost town, lighthouse, waterfall, and beach that you may have never heard of. This book is full of surprises for even the most knowledgeable visitors to the UP. And if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself marking up the pages, making notes of places you have to visit next time you’re up north."
--Steve Lehto, author of Death's Door: The Truth Behind the Strike of 1913 and the Italian Hall Disaster and Michigan's Columbus: The Life of Douglass Houghton

"Until I read this book, I had not realized the large number of hidden treasures that the U.P. has. More than just an interesting history, this book is a descriptive roadmap to these treasures. Points North can be used as a guide to an adventure you would never have known about on your own. The pictures and place descriptions here are fantastic! These hidden locations have suddenly become easy to find with this book. I recommend it highly."
--Bob Hruska, author of Humorous Hunting, Fishing, and Camping in the U.P. and Canada

Learn more at www.PointsNorthBooks.com

From Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com

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