A Dream Deferred, a Joy Achieved: Foster Care Stories of Struggle and Triumph

by Charisse Nesbit (Editor)

A Dream Deferred, a Joy Achieved is a positive look at the foster care system through stories of its survivors who show there is hope for the future, even in a system often identified by abuse and neglect.

With a unique perspective, this collection of inspiring stories is a testament to the fighting spirit of former foster children, and an inspiration to others currently in the same situation to emerge from the system as successful productive members of society. The stories are true to life, sometimes painful, yet full of hope, revealing those who have graduated and gone on to make the most of their lives, in spite of their challenging beginnings.

The stories within A Dream Deferred, a Joy Achieved teach the important lesson that one should never give up, even if circumstances aren't the brightest and opportunity isn't immediately present. Those dreams will still be there in the future, and it is up to the foster children to make the best of their current situations.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book of essays by former foster children, edited by a former foster child. The editor, who included essays from her siblings in the book, wants people to know that good can come from the foster care system. She was tired of reading and hearing about the dead-end mentality of foster care. The beliefs generated from the media add to the heavy stigma that former foster children face throughout their lives. Many former foster children learn to hide their background because of how they are treated once people learn that they spent time in foster care.

Of course the essays are not all rainbow and light, but they do show a positive side of foster care in the US. Many of the adults included in this book now consider themselves better off for having been in foster care.

[Emelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmmm.. what can I say about this book? I want to be a foster parent, so I was really excited about a book focusing on the positives of foster care. Most seem to be memoirs that scare the shit out of me. I still think I need to read the negative books, but I'm looking for ways to do this well, ya know? Anyway. Some of the essays were great, others not so much. A few essays seemed way to short, and I wanted to kow so much more about the situation!- others were just there.

I was excited to learn about a magazine, Represent, that's for and by kids in foster care. I think those were most of my favorite essays: the kids in or just out of the foster care system.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

compilation of stories by former foster children