Emma's Dilemma

by Molly McCluskey-Shipman, Valerie Bouthyette (Illustrator)

Overview

Have you ever felt like others would think that you're different? That's exactly the way that Emma feels when her teacher announces the class project to create a family tree. Emma is certain that everyone in her class won't understand and accept what it means to be adopted. Can she solve her dilemma?

38 pages
Ages 3-9
Includes Chinese symbol scavenger hunt, vocabulary study, create-your-own family tree page, and a page to draw your family.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781668505977
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	08/14/2021
Edition description:	Revised Edition
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.11(d)
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Molly McCluskey-Shipman understands children. In fact, a student once told her "You should change your name to 'Dr. Feel Better'; every time I talk to you I feel better."

In addition to Emma’s Dilemma, Molly is the author of Festeva’s Holiday Cheer (2018), The BIST Bunch, and various manuals/articles for nonprofit organizations. Being able to laugh and feel a sense of belonging is essential! Molly hopes that children can relate, identify, and see themselves within her books.

As an adopted child herself, Molly was motivated to help others! She is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker in Kansas/Missouri and is the Social-Emotional Coordinator for Quality Hill Charter School. Molly resides in Kansas City with her daughter and their dog.

Editorial Reviews

"This book is well written & has great illustrations for helping visual learners understand Emma's dilemma. The psychological need to listen/share is an important component of the book. Emma looks at fantasy, real life situations, and guidance from her family to find solutions for her dilemma. Vocabulary materials, discussion questions, and games provide readers the opportunity to explore different options. In the end, Emma has a better understanding of her family tree, family, & adoption."

Educational Consultant - Charles Jackard

"The book does a wonderful job of showing how Emma works through this problem with her family & helps bring light to issues that children who are adopted can face. Ms. McCluskey-Shipman does a great job of writing with compassion. This book is great for families to read and discuss together. Emma's Dilemma is a must have for teachers, administrators, or any families that are fortunate enough to have an adopted child. Ms. McCluskey-Shipman does a great job of bringing up a delicate issue."

SMSD - Kathy Mason

"Young readers receive all the possibilities in Emma's mind, from monkeys and spaceships to royalty: but no matter how much she muses, she still faces a predicament. The answer to her problems lies not in a fertile imagination alone; but in the application of healthy dose of reality: a process that will delight young readers with good fantasy but, in the end, brings it all home-including vocabulary material, discussion questions, a Chinese Symbol game, and more"

Midwest Book Review - D. Donovan

"I fell in love with Emma and her imaginative look at families. Who doesn't love a monkey wearing glasses, or an alien on a overboard? The illustrations are charming, perfectly bringing to life the author's important message that families come in all shapes and sizes. This is a wonderful story to share with children of all ages who feel that they might not fit in and highlights the fears of adopted children especially well. Bravo! "

Author - K.B. Nelson

5 Stars!
"Molly McCluskey-Shipman's picture book story, Emma's Dilemma, is a beautifully written, charming story about a young girl trying to understand where and how she fits in as an adopted child. The language is simple to assist young readers wanting to learn to read themselves. The colorful illustrations help the plot develop. This story brought tears to my eyes as the author's compassion shines through. Beautifully told."

Readers' Favorite ? - Emily-Jane Hills Orford