Official Review: A Home for Bessie by Jennifer Aicher

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Home for Bessie" by Jennifer Aicher.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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In A Home for Bessie by Jennifer Aicher, Gabby is a foster child longing for a forever home for herself and her doll. The children's book is written from Gabby's perspective, describing the challenges she faces going from home to home. Bessie is Gabby's treasured possession, and the little girl does her best to create a home for her doll, regardless of where they live. Aicher plans to donate "50% of the profits of this book" to foster agencies.

Aicher writes the emotionally evocative children's story in the first-person narrative from the perspective of Gabby. Recommended for ages preschool through sixth grade, the book addresses relevant topics and themes, such as acceptance, security, love, belonging, disappointment, resourcefulness, rejection, and happiness. It is professionally edited and features colorful illustrations that include a combination of photographs, children's drawings, and digitally enhanced images. Although I read the PDF format, I noticed that the Amazon sample didn't seem to be formatted properly. The several-page layout may turn away some prospective readers.

I especially like the illustrations featuring photographs of a series of dollhouses that Gabby constructed for Bessie from discarded items. The illustrations accompany a heartbreaking portion of the story that describes the little girl's sadness when the foster parent's child repeatedly takes her things, including her crafted dollhouses. Aicher captures how a child might creatively use discarded items, and the little houses come to life through Gabby's imagination. At the end of the book, Aicher explains that she created the dollhouses as part of a recycled art competition.

However, in one instance, the story lacks clarity. After Gabby expresses her frustration about her toys constantly being taken by the other child, several pages include detailed descriptions of her handmade dollhouses. Although the accompanying illustration provides some context, the narrative needs transitional text before abruptly jumping back to the other child again: "Once she saw it, I couldn't use it again." Also, Gabby's use of the word "transparent" seems unrealistic for her age.

I am pleased to rate A Home for Bessie 4 out of 4 stars. Aicher sensitively portrays a foster child's perspective in an age-appropriate manner. I recommend the book to foster children, foster parents, and teachers. It is also an excellent resource for readers interested in learning more about the foster care system.

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A Home for Bessie
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[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Wow, what an emotionally charged book for a child! Despite it being about a weighty topic, I think it's a wonderful book that enables foster children to be able to relate to someone who is going through something similar. It broke my heart to hear about the dollhouses that she constructed for Bessie being taken away. Thank you for the wonderful and thought-provoking review.

[Chivdi]

This looks like a nice book that addresses the plight of children who have been brought up in foster homes. Thank you for the amazing review

[Allen Cheque]

Wow, a children's book about a foster child? I'll def have to check it out. Gabby's character also sounds very formidable. Great review!

[Luluwa79]

The author did a good job in writing this emotional book and making it easier for all readers. Thanks for the review and summary.

[FABIAN_BATS]

It seems like a heavily emotional book, that sheds more light on the foster care system. Thanks for your review.

[Cecilia_L]

Wow, what an emotionally charged book for a child! Despite it being about a weighty topic, I think it's a wonderful book that enables foster children to be able to relate to someone who is going through something similar. It broke my heart to hear about the dollhouses that she constructed for Bessie being taken away. Thank you for the wonderful and thought-provoking review.

The author did an excellent job of handling the topic sensitively. Thanks for your comment, Stephanie.

[Cecilia_L]

This looks like a nice book that addresses the plight of children who have been brought up in foster homes. Thank you for the amazing review

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

Wow, a children's book about a foster child? I'll def have to check it out. Gabby's character also sounds very formidable. Great review!

Thank you, Allen.

[Cecilia_L]

The author did a good job in writing this emotional book and making it easier for all readers. Thanks for the review and summary.

Thanks for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

It seems like a heavily emotional book, that sheds more light on the foster care system. Thanks for your review.

You're welcome. Thanks for commenting.

[Croc_81]

I once read a book on a girl in foster care that sounds almost similar- quite emotional, quite heartbreaking, but all around beautiful. It sounds as if the emotional content in this one is the same! Thank you for the review.

[Cecilia_L]

I once read a book on a girl in foster care that sounds almost similar- quite emotional, quite heartbreaking, but all around beautiful. It sounds as if the emotional content in this one is the same! Thank you for the review.

Thanks for your comment.

[Ify_Reviewer]

Kids have emotions too. Having a book that helps them feel their emotions great. Thanks for the review.

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

I appreciate the author for having penned this book down, it's not everyday that one comes across a book for children about foster children. Lovely review!