FAR APART, CLOSE IN HEART

By Becky Birtha. Illustrated by Maja Kastelic. Rashid is angry that his mom broke another law and has to leave again. Yen wonders if her mom being sent away was her fault. Rafael is embarrassed when other kids find out about his dad. Thoughtful text and sensitively rendered illustrations acknowledge common feelings—anger, fear, sadness, guilt, loneliness, and embarrassment—and assure children of incarcerated parents that they are not alone. Included are a variety of suggestions for keeping distant parents close in heart, such as writing letters, sending drawings, and making phone calls and visits. Also included are tips for adults on how to speak with children about an incarcerated loved one and additional suggestions for helping them cope. Pre-K–3. Albert Whitman. 32 pages. ©2017.

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