Far Apart, Close in Heart: Being a Family when a Loved One is Incarcerated - Hardcover

Birtha, Becky

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0807512753 ISBN 13: 9780807512753

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company, 2017

Synopsis

Children can experience many emotions when a parent is in jail or prison. They may be angry, sad, lonely, or scared. Sometimes friends act differently toward them. Sometimes the children begin acting differently too. In this important book, young readers will learn that even when it feels like nothing can get better again, there are ways they can improve their circumstances. Sending letters, talking to a trusted grown-up about their feelings, and even visiting a parent in jail or prison can help keep a parent close in their hearts. Use this title as a helpful tool to start a conversation with any child in this situation and to remind them they are not alone.

About this title

About the Author:

Becky Birtha is the author of Grandmama's Pride and Lucky Beans, which also express her advocacy for social justice. She has degrees in children's studies and creative writing. She lives in Pennsylvania with her partner and their two young adult children. Maja Kastelic studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana. Before starting her career in illustration, she worked as a retouching artist restoring frescoes. She lives in Slovenia.

From School Library Journal:

PreS-Gr 3—How can a family stay intact if a parent is incarcerated? This tale follows children as they deal with bullying, isolation, fear, guilt, and uncertainty. In one scene, Xavier has his face down and is worried because he needs to keep his father's incarceration a secret while he is surrounded by happy children playing outside. Later on, Xavier is able to talk to his father on the phone and stay connected—where "he doesn't have to keep secrets from his dad." The multiple story lines show the breadth of emotions a child may feel, as when Raphael is still angry and continues to avoid talking to his mom on the phone. This important picture book functions as a guide for children to understand their emotions about an incarcerated parent, but it also works as a way for a caregiver to support the child. The line drawings, in vignettes, have a soft palette and focus on the emotions of the children. The book ends with a note to caregivers, further resources, and tips to help adults be open and understanding. VERDICT A highly recommended title that serves as an excellent entry to discuss incarceration in an age-appropriate way or as a tool for children as they work through their complicated feelings.—Karen Ginman, BookOps: The New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library

About this edition

• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0807512753
• ISBN 13: 9780807512753
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Kastelic Maja