But over time it becomes clear that the boys have formed an unlikely bond. Could this be the solution to all of their troubles?
Short read, ok but felt like I wanted more from the book afterwards.
Watson, a veteran special needs teacher and foster carer, details the story of 9-year-old Jenson whose his mother decides to go on a two-week vacation without him. While she's on a Spanish beach with her boyfriend, Jenson's 13-year-old sister throws a huge house party, causing a neighbor to alert social services.
Meanwhile, the Watsons receive their next placement, another 9-year-old boy named Georgie. On the autism scale, Georgie has lived most of his life in a children's home, which has now closed. The Watsons, who are parents of a grown son with Asperger's syndrome, find some familiar aspects of Georgie's condition but overall are a bit out of their depth regarding the severity of Georgie's specific needs and habits.
Worst of all, it is discovered that Jenson and Georgie are schoolmates...and definitely NOT friends. Jenson in particularly is resentful of the other boy coming to the Watsons' and is terrified that the other children at school find out they are living in the same house.
Having read a number of Watson's other foster care books, I feel qualified to say that this is definitely not her best. While of course every child has a story, not everyone's translate to the written page as well. The story of these two children, particular Jenson, whose story is foremost, simply takes too long to unfold, causing readers to lose interest.
Mrs. Watson is a loving person who writes about the children she fosters. She has a way of drawing you into the story and making you feel like you are a neighbor chatting with her. She connects with each child, nurtures them, and does her level best to make a difference in their lives.
I believe I've read all of her books, and this latest one is typically wonderful. This time she is fostering 2 nine-year old boys who are completely different. They happen to go to the same local school but are not buddies. The connection these two make is nothing less than miraculous.
I find Mrs. Watson's books to be fascinating studies of human nature. I admire her strong, kind family and with each book I learn from her. I am grateful that she shares her experiences with her readers.
If you haven't read a Casey Watson book, consider it. You may find you also enjoy being one of her virtual neighbors.
Casey Watson is very honest about her limitations as a specialist foster carer in this book. Personally I feel that she is somewhat of a "child whisperer" usually, she finds a way to connect on a deep level even with the most troubled child, and as an adoptive mom of a special needs child, I admire her determination, gumption and insight.
Personally, I found that this book lacked some of the depth that the other books had. There were many references to previous foster children and their stories (this is great for marketing though). There was also lots of "filler" - what she cooked for tea, for dinner, what the weather was like - this is the only time I have felt that she wanted to get this book over and done with instead of putting her heart and soul into it.
That said, I am looking forward to reading her next book, and am still a huge fan.
I am a big, big fan of Casey Watson's books about her fostering experiences. This one is no exception. Reading about how these two boys learned to relate almost brought me to tears. I like the fact that while Casey cares deeply for hurting children and is very good at what she does - she doesn't make herself out to be all knowing and perfect. I think because of that more people may consider fostering. I was hooked from the first book and I highly recommend giving them all a read.
I still can't believe how Mike & Casey bring these children around. They have such patience! I loved their family too.. they have amazing relationships with their son & daughter.
I don't where Casey finds the time to write all these stories when she is so busy! I plan on getting another one of her books. Will be my 5th!