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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Jamie Burns

To me, there are many ways to describe this book, but Mary Bleckwehl used a quote that comes to mind, “Go further than you planned. Ask for the moon: you will be surprised how often you get it.” This book was simply amazing, I have high expectations for the books I read, and expect to be over the moon about them when I finish reading. Many authors have succeeded, including Bleckwehl. This book goes far to the land of Africa where people are still struggling to get education, food, and water. The main character, Neyah has to fetch water, and so she misses so many days at school. She dreams and wishes there was a better way. We get introduced to Abby, Neyah’s pen pal who lives with all of the modern conveniences and cannot imagine what Neyah must be going through. As the two girls correspond, they find strength together. Abby becomes less self centered and quickly cares about Neyah and her family’s situation. Through Abby, Neyah finds the courage to speak up about the water situation and about basic hygiene she is learning about at school. Abby and Neyah decide to team up together to work on a solution for the water problem. There are many struggles that both Neyah and Abby face, but can they find the strength to push through and overcome the struggles? Will Neyah be able to bring much needed CLEAN water to her village? To find out, read this book, Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl. To say that this book is eye opening, is an understatement, but it is also heart warming at the same time. Who knew how much power pen pals from two different countries could change the world! It goes a long way to say that what you say matters, and so does the way you treat people.

Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Kelli Harper

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In my opinion this book should be required reading for all. This book is wonderfully written. It will have your emotions all over the place. I even learned so much about Africa and what young girls endure and I am almost 50. Highly recommended!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Shannen Kern

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While Fetching Dreams is aimed more towards middle-schoolers, I found it to be quite moving myself. I read this one with my soon to be 6th grader, and she loved it as well. It sparked a very deep conversation between us about remaining hopeful in the toughest of times. We also spoke about how, even though Neyah and Abby are living in almost completely opposite worlds, how empathetic they were towards each other. I found this story inspiring and really liked the determination of these young ladies. Even if you don’t have a middle-schooler in your life, I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a chance.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I typically read romance and thriller books, but was drawn to Fetching Dreams. The cover art sparked my interest and the synopsis sealed the deal. I am so glad I went outside my norm. This book blew me away. It is so inspirational and emotional and raw. While it is marketed as a children’s book, it is so much more! I have recommended it to several people already and want my kids to read it. The story centers around two girls, across the world from each other, being pen pals as part of a school project. Neyah is in Kenya, where she lives in a hut. She has no electricity, or running water, and has to keep her eye out for lions or bandits who could kill her. She walks over 5 miles a day to fetch water for her family to survive (cooking, washing, bathing, gardening). Dirty water, filled with bacteria, that people bathe in and animals drink from. She often misses school for these water runs. She hates it, but it is the way, it’s all she knows. Until her teacher tells the class their water may be making them sick or even killing them. Neyah sets to change the way of life for her family and her village.
Abby lives in the US and daydreams about seeing Justin Beiber in concert, or getting her own cell phone, and having sleep overs. She has no idea where Neyah lives but Googles it. She is a typical American girl. But her penpal opens her eyes, and changes her life. The girls band together on a life saving and life changing mission. I don’t know if this book is based on a real story, but it totally could be. It is so well written and such an inspiration. I warn you, prepare for the emotions to flow.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neyah, a 12-year-old girl from rural Kenya, Africa, befriends Abby, a girl the same age from the United States, via pen pal letters. The girls team up to help solve Neyah’s problem: she travels miles a day to fetch water for her family. This book is superably written! It’s obvious the author took time to research/experience life in rural Kenya. The friendship that forms between Abby and Neyah is a powerful one. This book reminds us of the value of friendship and the problems we can solve when we work together with others. The issues in this book are relevant and demand our attention as a society. I recommend this book for all older teens and adults. May we read it and be determined to take action ourselves.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Kerry Carr

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is sweet moving story aimed at young adults. It is about 2 young girls who are similar ages but live worlds apart.
Neyah lives in Kenya. Her life is hard and she is forced to give up her education to fetch water for her family.
Abby’s life is the complete opposite. From someone like Neyah Abbey has it all. She has a nice home, time to socialise and more importantly an education which is what Neyah would love.
However Abby’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems and as the girls exchange letters we get an insight into the challenges and heartbreak that Abby faces, as well as the challenges that Neyah faces. Together they work together to problem solve the issues surrounding Neyah. But can two 12-year olds make a difference at all?

This is a beautiful story about friendship that grows between 2 people who would be unlikely to become friends normally. By exchanging their stories and learning about each others lives they both learn an appreciation for their own lives even though sometimes things are hard. They also inspire each other to problem solve and try to find a solution to make things better. The author does an amazing job especially of bringing Neyah’s life into reality for readers who would never normally get a chance to experience it.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1IPVUQVY1ZQO2/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first book I’ve read by this author. She did a great job. I would say this book is more for middle school age kids. Fetching Dreams was a fast paced book. The details was well thought out. It was a page turner for me.

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https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3412124269

Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Stephanie Robb

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is aimed at young readers and follows 12-year-old pen pals Nayah and Abby. They get to know each other as they live very different lives at opposite sides of the world and face their own challenges as they grow up. It shows the importance of relationships and learning about others lives. An excellent worth while read.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Maisie Dickinson

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neyah from Kenya and Abby from Minnesota are unlikely friends. They become pen-pals through an assignment encouraged by their schools. Despite living in completely different worlds, they find that they have a lot in common, they develop a beautiful friendship purely through handwritten letters and help each other fulfil their purposes. Their friendship has inspired me to write letters to friends I have made across the world and to spend more time in the future volunteering to help those in need. My favourite character is Abby because even in her weakest moments, she is strong, inspiring, hopeful. My least favourite character is Neyah’s Papa because it takes a long time for him to come around. I recommend this book because there are not a lot of books that have affected me the way this book did. It’s moving and empowering. It really proves that you can do anything you set your mind to. ‘Thank you for being my inspiration.’

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Kasandra Nunez

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such an inspriational and genuine read for the YA group. I think that it really points out some of the biggest overall issues in the world, yet is one of the biggest issues we deal within ourselves. I believe that so many people could learn and take away something from this book. It wholehartedly is such an eye opener, and just gives such a real and raw message.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Alison Risher

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a phenomenal story! Two young girls from opposite sides of the world become pen pals through a school assignment. They are total opposites, yet they encourage one another and inspire many people across two continents. This is a heartwarming lesson in love, loss, and finding one’s own voice. I will include this book in my classroom library.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Katie Matthews

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fetching Dreams was a great story, it wasn’t my usual read but it was really enjoyable. The story is about 12 year old pen pals who live in completely different parts of the world and have completely different lives. It shows how through these communications the girls learn about different lives and how sometimes we think someone else has the ‘perfect’ life we can all be going through our own things in life we really wish we weren’t. This story is aimed at young readers and I think it will definitely give them some thought provoking moments.

@katiem
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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Tausha Treadway

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl. This is probably one of the very best books I’ve read this year. I loved it. Its about 2 young 12 year olds who become pen pals and learn about their very different lives. The live totally different lives because Neyah lives in Kenya, Africa and who struggles everyday with harsh living conditions. Abby lives in Minnesota and has all the luxuries in life and doesn’t understand all the struggles that Neyah has. Abby doesn’t understand not having running water or having to miss school to take care of your siblings. Neyah is very jealous of Abby until she realizes that Abby has her struggles to, Abby has a brain tumor. Working together they try to get water for Neyah’s village and learn that not everyone’s lives are as they seem. Most people have trouble it just may be different than yours. Amazing book with a great lesson!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Christina Ford

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a story of two young ladies from opposite ends of the world. One girl lives in poverty and without water, while the other has all the modern comforts but trouble with her health and family. They support and encourage each other and develop a meaningful, important friendship.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Megan Conley

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is definitely a book geared toward middle-schoolers; however, it’s a very quick, heartfelt read that many adults will enjoy. We meet Neyah and Abby who are pen pals learning about each other’s lives through a school assignment. As the story progresses, the girls quickly realize that while their lives are vastly different, they both are facing very real and serious obstacles. I found this story to be very inspiring and Bleckwehl’s message of maintaining hope through adversity and having kindness and empathy for everyone to be something that we all need to remember and perhaps exhibit a little more in our daily lives. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from her.

 

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Tonya Merritt

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fetching Dreams is a tale of two young girls with totally different lives. The story was an inspirational sad truth of how things could be in other places. I did love how they were pen pals, many people don’t know what that means anymore. I do feel it was more towards the middle school aged group, not as much for young adults. A great story for anyone to read though.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Tanya Wall, July 2023

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is one that I walked about thinking about after every reading session. There was hope, tears, celebrations and the gut wrenching realization that this is real for so many today. The story is told through a penpal relationship between two girls – one in America and one in Africa. Two girls, with two very different lives that learn they can have a voice to make a difference. There were times in this story that I was faced with big feelings knowing that so many go without the basic necessities like water, education and a childhood – while many take having these things for granted. I was glad there was a positive outcome even in the shadow of sorrow – and I will remember the power of raising one’s voice!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Nakyshia Leger

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful story! Neyah lives in Africa and Abby lives in America. Though they are in two different worlds, they are brought together and realize they have more in common than they thought. The girls work together to find a solution to change their worlds.

This emotional journey shows the power of coming together, even far apart. Have your tissues ready for the mixed emotions of joy and sadness! I cried happy tears, and I cried sad tears. It was fun to see the characters grow as they came to understand one another. Their strength and determination are awe-inspiring. Your preteen, teen, or young adult would love this book!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl

Fetching Dreams is a YA chapter book aimed for middle school aged students ten and up. Although I believe adults will enjoy reading this as well. This is exactly what I needed today this book touched my heart and soul. It’s a heartfelt story about two girls from different worlds find more in common than they ever imagined. One lives I in the USA and the other in Africa. These two bond through being pen pals. The bond between these two girls made my heart so happy. This is a truly inspiring story that I highly recommend reading. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Daryian Lucas

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4/5 stars
This was my first time reading a book from this author and I found it very interesting. I would recommend this book for a middle school audience. It’s written exactly how I would expect Neyah to talk in real life. Although, Africa has countries that are industrialized, this book points out the dangers of the places that aren’t!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Rayne East

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautifully written
This inspirational story follows Neyah and Abby as they form a bond through being pen pals. They discover that life has many challenges no matter where you live and what your circumstances are. This story reminds the reader about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, and also that we are not alone. A great book for early teens and above. Recommend.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Christine Baranek

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fetching Dreams
By: Mary Bleckwehl

This is such a fantastic chapter book. The quote in the description is what drew me to this book, it ultimately became the reason I absolutely could not put down. “It was just a school assignment until it became a lifesaving mission.” This is such a heartwarming story. Neyah and Abby are penpals who begin writing because of a school assignment. However they connect on a much deeper level. This becomes such a valuable friendship that definitely changes their lives and the lives of others. As a teacher, this instantly became a book that I know I will use as a read aloud with my students. I cannot wait to see the conversations that my students will have and see if they are as moved by this book as much as I am. This is absolutely such a heartwarming inspirational story that I think that everyone should read.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Kerry Baker

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is truly an inspiring and heartfelt story of two young girls who strike up a bond despite living worlds apart. The connection they develop grows overtime as they slowly get to know each other. And, although on the face of it their lives are completely different, they soon find commonalities as their bond strengthens.
The author has done an incredible jobs at portraying both of these girls. They are engaging and interesting and I wanted to know more about them. The story is inspiring, watching two young girls forge a connection when everything says it shouldn’t work. I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more like it.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. This is a great young adult story that is engaging to the end. A well written story where two girls find more in common than they realize. A story of friendship and the things they cannot control. These are great characters that bring inspiration to friendship. They have great growth throughout and add so much to the entertaining value of the story. This is a great young adult story that anyone would enjoy, especially young adults. I enjoyed this book and I think you will as well. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Jennifer Crain

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The title fits this book to a T. Two girls that couldn’t be more different (Kenyan Neyah and Abby from the States) share a common dream. Parental warning- children deaths of malnutrition, cancer, and cholera are mentioned as well as physical and mental brutality. Yet, that is reality of kids around the world, and author Bleckwehl captures the eagerness of the teenagers to do something to help others.

I appreciated the closure of the book (you aren’t left hanging) as well as the banter between Neyah and her teacher, as well as Neyah and her father. Neyah’s relationships with her pen pal, family members, school peers, and people she meets at the watering hole are well developed and three dimensional, and I couldn’t wait to read what happened next.

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@bookworm1909

Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderfully written heartwarming and inspirational YA novel which kept me captivated throughout.
When Neyah and Abby who live a continent apart become pen pals neither realised how important their friendship would become to them both. Neyah is shy and quiet living in a rural African village whilst bold and boisterous Abby lives a comfortable life in a modern American city. Whilst Abby spends her time planning her social calendar and waiting for her school day to be over, Neyah longs to spend more time in school, but has to spend most days fetching water for her family to survive, and even then it’s filthy water. Although they both live very differently they are keen to learn about each other’s lives and a friendship grows through their letters. We soon learn that Abby has her own challenges to face, and the girls inspire one another to find a purpose in their difficulties. The descriptive narrative brings the settings in which both girls live vividly to life, making me feel immersed in their world. The author teaches us about African customs and it’s culture, as well as the challenges young girls and women in particular face, whilst keeping it part of the storyline. This is an emotional and engaging read, and although it’s a YA novel I would recommend it to all ages!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Jenni Bishop

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fetching Dreams is a book about 12-year-olds becoming pen-pals and learn about other cultures and lives. Worlds apart as one Neyah lives in a village in Kenya Africa and worries of harsh living conditions and one Abby in a modern city in Minnesota.
It is a heartfelt story aimed at middle school aged children where they get insightful lessons of tragedy and fear of change.
It is an engaging tale about bonding and finding one’s voice and speaking out to make a difference. It is about making connections no matter where one lives in the world.
We learn about plants and wildlife and the differences of people around the globe. We also learn that “Water is life,” for those that have to work for it and others take for granted.
Fetching Dreams is worth the read.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fetching Dreams is a beautifully written and inspirational YA family book. Neyah and Abby live in two very different worlds but form a friendship as pen pals through a school project. Neyah lives in Africa and does not have water in her village. She misses a lot of school because of having to walk several miles to bring water to her family for bathing, cooking, and for the livestock. Neyah’s village struggles with diseases caused by the lack of running water and her daily life is full of dangers as she faces bandits on her way to get water. Abby lives worlds apart in Minnesota and has a good life in comparison to Neyah. She has clean, running water and modern conveniences but her life is far from perfect. Her parents have issues, and she has been diagnosed with having a brain tumor. The two girls work together to raise awareness and money for water in Neyah’s village. The characters of Abby and Neyah are well written and the strength and courage the two girls had was inspiring. Both girls were smart, independent, and faced challenges head-on. The unlikely friendship between Neyah and Abby will inspire and uplift you as they encouraged each other to follow their dreams. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the girls faced their own challenges and helped each other even though they were worlds apart. I highly recommend this book!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Julie Johnson

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two girls a continent apart. Neyah is super quiet and shy and lives in Africa. Abby is a bubbly socialite in Minnesota, USA. They learn of each other through their social studies teachers and become pen pals.

Neyah rarely gets to go to school. Her family depends on her to fetch water for them to survive. Neyah loves school and learning and aspires to be a doctor.

Abby is ok with school but jealous of the “time off” that Neyah has, not really realizing at first why Neyah isn’t able to attend as much.

Through a series of back and forth letters, the girls learn of each others cultures, customs, and norms and both are determined to help make the world a much better place.

I would advise you to read this in a solitary room if you’re apt to cry. I was reading this while sitting out at a yard sale in between customers. BAD IDEA because I could not stop the tears. There are happy crying moments, there are sad crying moments. This book is such a beautiful story of two unlikely people to form a bond and then do something with that bond. This story will stick with me awhile!!

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neyah and Abby are pen pals. Both learning about each other’s lives. While the girls are the same age, they live very different lifestyles. Neyah lives in Africa while Abby lives in a city on the other side of the globe. Abby works on her social life, while Neyah gathers contaminated water for her family. Neyah longs for the days when she can go to school, while Abby goes to school everyday. Such an inspiring story for all to read. I found both main characters to be strong independent young girls. Who strive for a better life for each other. This author has captured my heart in this story. I feel every 12 year and older child should get the opportunity to read this story. To have a pen pal from a different country and to learn how fortunate they are to live without fear. As this story unfolds many lives are touched by the strength of these two girls. Fantastic story to read! It’s fast paced and you find yourself wanting so much more. I feel this to be an excellent read for young teens, teachers, librarians and parents. Let’s open our children’s minds and bring back helping others.

 

Review@cinful

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