Dream Journal

“Will she die soon? ” Sixteen-year-old Livy Moore has finally summoned the courage to ask about her mother’s illness. But she already knows the answer: for two years, Livy has watched her mother grow smaller and weaker. Now, in a series of journal entries, Livy chronicles the summer before her junior year–the summer she watches her mother slip away from her, as she succumbs to breast cancer. Livy has survived the pain of losing her mother by shutting herself off from the rest of the world. She has alienated herself from her best friend, and her and her father live as strangers in the same house, barely speaking, and never allowing themselves to share the grief that is tearing each of them apart. But when Livy gets swept up in a strong but ill-fated crush, and her mother’s condition worsens, she must learn to trust not only those around her, but herself. A beautifully written coming-of-age novel, Dream Journal gazes unflinchingly at the pain of loss and the beauty in survival.

“DREAM JOURNAL is a gallant effort about surviving loss, by a noteworthy writer.”  Teenreads.com

“DREAM JOURNAL is a painful, honest, and wonderfully written story that should not be missed. Populated by realistic characters and full of the emotions that make Livy’s story real, it’s a sad, hopeful story, and one readers will not soon forget.”  TeensReadToo.com

“[DREAM JOURNAL] is a beautiful book about the pain of losing someone you love, in the midst of all the challenges and choices young adults face. Livy’s inner life, her emotional swings, her expectations for herself and her recurring confusion and disappointment with herself ring true at every step. Her relationship with her mother is eloquently and poignantly drawn.  I cried my way through the ending.”  Pamela Todd, author, The Blind Faith Hotel

“I hope THE DREAM JOURNAL makes it into the lives of many girls. For some, it will be comforting to read about a character surviving the ultimate loss. For others, it will serve as a test of sorts for how they might one day react to a similar situation.”  Dr. Teri S. Lesesne, author, Making the Match—the Right Book for the Right Reader at the Right Time

Click to download a Dream Journal discussion guide

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Lucy’s Family Tree

When Lucy comes home from school with a family tree assignment, she asks her parents to write her a note to excuse her from the task. Lucy’s adoption from Mexico makes her feel as though her family is too “different,” but her parents gently and wisely challenge Lucy to think some more about it and to find three families that are the “same.”

As Lucy ponders her list of school and family friends who are “normal,” she comes to realize that there are many different kinds of families.

“…a wonderful book that captivates, entertains, and educates the reader from cover to cover.” – Adoption Today

“…step by step journey into finding your own family roots…for slightly older reader…for wonderer who thinks family is not limited to a few.” – Courier Gazette, October 4, 2007

“…an important contribution…provide terrific models for other adoptive parents…a well-written and useful book.” – PACT, An Adoption Alliance, 2001

“…wonderful book…captivates, entertains, and educates the reader…thought provoking dialogue…invites us to explore the diversity of families…” – Adoption Today, 2001

Honor Book – Society of School Librarians, 2001

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People – Children’s Book Council/National Council on the Social Studies, 2001

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001 – Children’s Book Council, NSTA 2001 Honor Book — Society of School Librarians International

“…celebrates family diversity in a truly interesting and constructive manner.” — Friends Journal

“…a good book for a teacher who just doesn’t understand that many families no longer fit the old mold!” – Jewish Children’s Adoption Network

“…an authentic job of capturing the powerful responses adopted kids have to identity issues raised by this assignment…an important contribution.” – PACT, An Adoption Alliance

“A family tree is not simple for an adopted child, and Lucy’s adoption from Mexico makes her feel different. Lucy’s wise and sensitive parents encourage her to find a way to complete the assignment: they will release her from the obligation if she can find three families that are the ‘same.’ Lucy’s discoveries provide profound insights for all readers and teachers.” – Yellow Brick Road

“A beautiful exploration of how one family lets their child figure out a problem for herself.” – Maine Sunday Telegram

“…a journey that leads the young girl and the book’s readers to discover that few families fit the traditional image…. By the conclusion, Lucy feels better about her situation and has devised a way to create a family tree that honors both her birth parents and the parents who are raising her.” – Pioneer Press

“[Lucy's Family Tree] speaks to the thoughts and concerns of an adopted child and acknowledges the loss and feelings of being different that many adopted children experience at different points in their lives. These feelings are addressed in a way that helps childen to see that each family is different in some way and respects the variety and diversity of all families. While addressing those differences, it also reinforces the bond and love between Lucy and her adoptive parents.

This book gives practical advice about how to handle the family tree assignment that is common in many classrooms and can be challenging for adoptive families. This assignment is handled in a way that provides the child with a sense of self-esteem by recognizing and incorporating Lucy’s cultural background and the importance of birthparents as a part of the identity of an adopted child.

Parents reading this book will be reminded of the importance of respecting a child’s privacy, especially a young teen. Lucy’s parents exhibit a parenting style that encourages self-esteem and empowers Lucy to solve her problem in a way that is right for her. They respond with respect, concern, and interest in their child’s feelings and needs, but do not pretend to know all the answers or make excuses.

Lucy’s family tree is very well written and provides life lessons for children and parents. As adoption professionals, we recommend this book for adoptive families, but more importantly, for all families who wnat to learn about dealing with feeling different and helping older children solve their problems.”  Tracy Leach, adoption counselor, The Cradle Adoption Agency, Evanston, Illinois

Click to buy Lucy’s Family Tree on Amazon

Click to buy Lucy’s Family Tree from your local independent bookstore