Description
When fifteen-year-old Sefina Nafo is kicked out of her latest foster home, she gets separated from her little brothers. Now, she’s the only brown kid in her new foster family as she navigates grief from her dad’s death, her mom’s addictions, and the school bully labeling her Foster Freak. With the court date looming, Sefina comes up with a plan to reunite with her mom and brothers before it’s too late. The biggest challenge is trying not to fall in love with her new foster family. As her relationship with foster mom Jen blossoms, Sefina must decide what “family” really means.
Inspired by my own experience as a foster mom of a Polynesian teenager, I wanted to share an inside view of the foster care world, in a safe, clean book, suitable for middle grade but enjoyable for all ages. “Under the Foster Freak Tree” is a raw rollercoaster of emotions. I hope Sefina’s story will generate empathy, not vilify parents who have been separated from their children. I wanted to show how even a strong family can fall apart after experiencing heartbreaking trauma, and how love without boundaries can help them heal.
Suitable for ages 8+
Available in Paperback, e-book, or audiobook mp3.
