Dancing Through the Snow by Jean Little

Summary:

This Fiction Christian book portrays a foster girl’s hardships and trials as she moves through various foster families. She eventually finds herself in the care of a young doctor, Dr. Jess, who whisked her out of the children’s aid office after a foster family returned her. Min was abandoned in a restroom as a two-year-old and was transferred from foster home to foster home. Each foster home seemed indifferent to her and with the combination of being bullied in school, Min believed herself unlovable. When she finally ended up in Dr. Jess’s home Min had built a wall around herself. But Dr. Jess sees through the wall and with the help of an injured puppy helps heal her of her trauma and start over. You'll love the story of how Min learns how to stand up to bullies and make friends.

Word of Caution:

This book contains instances of abuse and it is also quite poignant. It includes bullying and the use of derogatory nicknames like "litter-bin Min". The book also touches on Min's life before she entered the foster system, which involved abuse from a man living with the woman who was raising her. It is mentioned that the man locked Min in a closet and hit her. These experiences are emotionally stirring and may trigger some children.

Positive Notes:

This book sheds light on the harsh realities faced by some foster children. It is emotionally stirring, portraying the mistreatment of the young girl and the time it took for her to find a caring and loving guardian. Jean Little, the author, adeptly depicts the struggles of children who are ostracized or mistreated, including those with disabilities and those in foster care. Little's ability to do so is attributed to her own experiences as a blind individual from birth, providing her with firsthand knowledge of being different.

Who:

This book is for girls aged 9-13.