"The powerful story of a young girl's struggle with parental alcoholism and the caring adults in her life who made a real difference. A must read for children of all ages."

       -Jerry Moe, National Director of
        Children's Services, Betty Ford Center


"This book is incredibly powerful in its depiction of a young girl growing up with an alcohol addicted mother and the effect addiction has upon the family unit. It captures the child's feelings of alienation, shame, betrayal, mistrust, and misplaced self-blame for the mother's addiction. The distress the child experiences, feeling forced to assume the role of caretaker to the parent, feeling inadequate to the task, and being unable to stop the parent's self-destructive behavior, is palpable. One can easily empathize with the pain this child feels over being powerless to control the mother's drinking, her conflict of loving and missing her mother, yet feeling profoundly guilty at the anger she has toward her for 'choosing wine over me.' Any child who lives in a family with addiction would greatly benefit from this book.

An equally important audience for this book is the entire family unit, especially addicted parents, so they may gain insight into the consequences their behavior and choices have upon their loved ones."

       -Joan Simon, Psy.D


"Emmy's Question is a gift from the heart of a child that connects us to our own losses, and opens a new road ahead. For Emmy, telling her story was the first step toward healing. And stories from the heart, as exemplified in this book, have the power to help us all find meaning and hope."

       -Diane Rooks, author of Spinning Gold
        out of Straw: How Stories Heal


"This captivating book should become a must-read for children of alcoholics and their families. It is an inspiring example of a young girl's growth and maturity as she realizes that even though she can not fix her mother, she is able to find the best about herself."

       -Christy Paul, LMHC


"This is a remarkable book which provides the reader with an authentic, touching story of a child, Emmy, whose world is turned upside-down due to her alcohol-dependent mother. The subject is presented with sensitivity and understanding, as well as a sincere respect for each of the characters. The author’s perceptive use of language makes this an approachable, engaging book, especially for upper-elementary students and would be appropriate for individual or small group reading and discussion. Great books stay in our hearts and leave us better for having read them. This book can be counted among those."

       -Mary Ballinger,
        5th Grade Elementary Teacher


"A much-needed book for famlies, counselors, ministers, teachers, and everyone who has any interaction with families struggling with alcoholism. They will be enlightened and encouraged by the message of this book—that children who get support from family members and the proper help from professionals can become strong and confident. This truly is a book that can make a significant difference to children who have an addictive parent and all those who care about young lives."

       -Rev. Jewell M. Kutzer


"Fantastic, compelling book. Emmy’s Question is one of those refreshing books that never lets the importance of its message sacrifice the skill at which the story is told. It truly is a compelling read told in an authentically emotional and intense voice—and one that held my rapt attention to the final page.

The writing is tight, disciplined and authentically emotional. Books dealing with parental alcoholism often smack too much of after-school specials that are heavy on the moral and overdosed on saccharine. It’s a difficult subject to tackle effectively while still being an interesting read. Emmy’s Question succeeds at both.

This book is specifically written for children ages 8 and up whose parents are alcoholics or drug abusers. However, there is so much that is useful in this book that I’d hate to see it limited to that audience. It’s a wonderful book for any child to read who might come into contact with a child of an alcoholic so that they can understand the isolation and humiliation that their peer is experiencing. It’s also useful for any child to learn ways of breaking out of co-dependent molds. This is a book that is useful and practical as it is engaging and compelling."

       -Bridgette M. Redman, Publisher
             Book Help Web


"As an adult child of an alcoholic, I thought this book was especially well-written and insightful. The story is written in a way that does not brutalize Emmy’s mom. Rather, it is written through Emmy’s loving eyes as she struggles to understand and protect her mother. In the end, Emmy learns that she is in no way responsible for her mom’s disease.

I had my children read this book and then we discussed it. They came to understand that sometimes children who seem “different” may be living in very difficult situations. Anyone who reads this can benefit greatly. "

       -Judith A. Sargent, Parent


"This is a beautiful, wonderful, meaningful story—and the writing is superb. I was deeply moved, at times found my eyes full of tears. This work will have a positive impact on many lives."

       -Shirley Bryce, Retired Educator


If you would like more information, please contact us at 904-823-9978, email us, or use our online request form.