by Tom Tracy Jr
On average, there over 400,000 children in the United States are in foster care every day. This book is for those children! They need books that validate their experience and their feelings.
Children in foster care experience profound impacts related to trauma, separation, abandonment and trust. Some estimates suggest that nearly 80% of youth in foster care will exhibit some form of serious mental health or behavioral need that will require intervention.
There are very few children’s books with a foster care theme or characters who are in foster care, further contributing to feelings of isolation and separateness. Of the books currently available, many feature animals as main characters, thus limiting the ability for youth to fully connect with the characters.
This book advances the representation of youth in foster care while providing a starting place for youth and the adults who care for them to discuss and help manage their feelings.
The story is about a fictional child named Jazmyne.
Jazmyne is in foster care and she sometimes has BIG EMOTIONS.
Jazmyne introduces the reader to foster care and her own set of complicated emotions. At times, Jazmyne’s emotions grow too big and are hard for her to manage. She likens this to a balloon that is filled too much and ultimately pops! When this happens to Jazmyne, her emotions come out through behaviors.
As the story progresses, Jazmyne shares some positive coping skills that she uses to gradually release some of those BIG EMOTIONS. These techniques are relatable to young readers and Jazmyne encourages them to practice with her.
Jazmyne’s experience with managing emotions will be familiar to both youth in foster care and those who are not. While the main character is in foster care, the concept of managing big feelings will be broadly applicable to all youth.
The book concludes with an affirming message to youth in foster care, reminding them they are loved!
A diverse panel of more than three dozen current and former foster families served as the book’s advisory team. This dedicated team of superheroes represented a variety of races, beliefs and cultures, family structures (including lgbt families), both foster and adoption experiences, and professional backgrounds (including teachers, social workers and developmental specialists). Collectively, they have:
· Conducted beta reading of the book to ensure appropriate tone and message,
· Read to children, including those in foster care, to gauge their reaction to the book,
· Provided critical feedback that informed edits and revisions to the story,
· Been cheerleaders of this work, as there is a tremendous gap in children’s books that address the topic of foster care,
· Loved and supported literally hundreds of children who needed a safe and stable home 
We appreciate their contribution in helping to shape this book and, more importantly, appreciate what they do day in and day out, giving selflessly and sharing their homes and families with kids in need.
Making Believe 