A Gifted Child in Foster Care by Dr. Grace LaJoy Henderson
Grace LaJoy had a rough childhood. Her mother abandoned her and her family when she was two. Her father left town, leaving her and siblings in a house alone. And she spent several years in foster care.
But LaJoy persevered. She finished college while raising two children, got involved with her church and became an author, inspirational speaker and workshop leader.
Now, LaJoy is sharing her life story in her new book “A Gifted Child in Foster Care: A Story of Resilience”. She wants the book to not only serve as an inspiration to at-risk children but also to change educators’ attitudes toward at-risk youth.
LaJoy, who grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Westport High School in 1984, recently designed a matching student workbook and teacher’s guide to coincide with her memoir. This resource enhances vital reading comprehension skills while teaching character education.
“Even though I was classified as gifted, I had trouble comprehending what I read. I wanted to create something that would help students learn.” ~Dr. Grace LaJoy
LaJoy’s new book has been placed on the recommended reading list for the Missouri Children’s Division. Foster parents in the Northern Region of Missouri can receive two ongoing credit hours for reading the book. It is currently being read by students in public and charter schools.
“It is an excellent tool for students to learn. The reading comprehension skills coincide with the Department of Education’s curriculum expectations.”
“It is a new way to implement nonfiction, character education and key reading strategies.”
~Suzanne Wiley, Reading Specialist - Lee’s Summit R7 School District
While “A Gifted Child in Foster Care” was created to raising academic achievement for students, school districts will find it to be a useful tool for staff development.
“A Gifted Child in Foster Care: A Story of Resilience” by Dr. Grace LaJoy Henderson, is published by Inspirations by Grace LaJoy and is currently available through bookstores everywhere. For more information about LaJoy or to purchase the book, visit her Web site www.gracelajoy.com. To interview LaJoy, call 816-318-1388 or e-mail poetry@gracelajoy.com.
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