A Call to Compasion
ââ?¬Å"Love Makes the World Go ââ?¬Ë?Roundââ?¬Â? by Adam Starks and illustrated by Natasha Payne-Brunson, is the perfect call-to-action tool for professional helpers, counselors, and those working with ââ?¬Å"at-promiseââ?¬Â? children (a term from the book that I love, as it has a more positive ring to it than the often-used term ââ?¬Å"at-riskââ?¬Â?). But more than that, itââ?¬â?¢s a colorfully illustrated book for people of all ages, including children, to show them that they donââ?¬â?¢t have to be defined by their past, and that love can lead them to a brighter future. The examples are of children in foster care who, because of love, turned their skills and talents into successful careers later in life, then used them to help others. The message in the book is clear, and touching: with love, anything is possible.
Starks writes from a place of experience, so this book isn�t merely a feel-good piece of inspiration. It�s inspiring, yes, but it�s because it comes from authenticity. The author has lived the message, and that�s why it will resonate with readers. The brief sketches of each child and how their gifts were impacted by love and those who supported them, will encourage children, teens, and those that work with them.
One example is a boy whose interest in coding led to a high-level position in adulthood. These are uplifting anecdotes thoughtfully illustrated. The book is simple and easy to read, but carries a deep and profound message, especially to those who may have been thinking of becoming foster or adoptive parents. There are about half a million foster children in America, each one with an opportunity to realize the potential that lies within.
This book shows the positive side of foster care and comes from an author who is a walking example of the good it can do. As a former social worker, I can say that more books like this are needed to raise awareness of the needs of vulnerable children and teenagers, but also of the success stories that happen because the right people chose to be foster parents or adoptive parents. If youââ?¬â?¢re looking for an inspiring book to gift to a child, teen, or adult, or want to read success stories about children who have aged out of foster care, ââ?¬Å"Love Makes the World Go ââ?¬Ë?Roundââ?¬Â? by Adam Starks, is a must-read.
