Book Review- Billy Had To Move by Theresa Ann Fraser, CYW, B.A.

I was recently given the opportunity by Parent Reviewers to to review a wonderful book, Billy Had To Move, written by Theresa Ann Fraser, CYW, B.A. This book was written as a resource book for social workers, foster parents, and others who work with children who have experienced some form of loss in their lives. It chronicles the journey of a little guy named Billy who's primary caregiver, his grandmother, passes away forcing him into a foster care situation.

This book is a wonderful resource for children, written in a language that is very easy to understand, yet it fully describes the emotional struggle of this young boy. Written from his perspective, it delves deeply into the pain and uncertainty he is faced with as such a young age. Theresa Ann Fraser does a wonderful job of sharing her heart for children through this book and every child facing loss would greatly benefit from reading the story of Billy.

From the back cover:

Child Protection Services have been involved with Billy and his mother for some time now. He has been happily settled in a kinship placement with his grandmother and enjoys his pet cat, interacting with neighbors and even taking piano lessons. As the story unfolds, Billy's grandmother has unexpectedly passed away and so the story of Billy Had To Move begins.

Unfortunately, Billy's mother cannot be located. Mr. Murphy, Billy's social worker, places him in the foster home of Amy, Tim, and their baby "Colly." Billy experiences great loss resulting not only from his grandmother's death, but also the loss of the life he knew. Billy's inner journey therefore has also begun and with the help of Ms. Woods, a Play Therapist, there is hope.

Therapists' Acclaim for Billy Had To Move

"This gem of a book gently frames the stages of a child's natural quest to make sense of his story. Fraser has created more than a teaching story: she generously offers a sacred space that compassionately holds and supports the multidimensional realities of our foster children and their birth families, our social workers and foster families, our teachers and child psychotherapists."--Gisela Schubach De Domenico, PhD, MFT, R-PTS

"Billy Had To Move is a profound story about the complex issues children in foster care often face. Fraser provides important lessons for caregivers. The book gracefully introduces the sandtray and provides insight into how powerful the experience can be when the child has an opportunity to explore their trauma in the sandtray." --Mark E. Hulbert, MA, LLP

"A wonderful addition to the bibliotherapy field. This is a much-needed book for foster care children to help them in adjusting to a new caregiver and placement. It offers a welcoming view of how children's worries and losses can be understood by a caring Play Therapist, in a warm and inviting setting."--Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, RPT-S; Director of Clinical Training, The Astor Home for Children, Poughkeepsie, NY

"In this engaging, warm-hearted story, Billy grieving the loss of his grandmother, finds a way to heal by expressing his thoughts and feelings in Play Therapy. Highly recommended!" --Charles E. Schaefer, PhD, RPT-S Director Emeritus, The Association for Play Therapy

About the Author:
Theresa graduated from Humber College in 1983 as a Child and Youth Worker, however she accredits much of her learning to the children whom she has served as a Child and Youth Worker, foster parent (with Peel Children's Aid Society and Carpe Diem Treatment Foster Homes), Youth Minister, and now Play Therapist with Branching Out Enhanced Therapeutic Programs. Theresa Is also a part-time Professor at Mohawk College in Ontario, Canada after working in this role since 2000 at Humber College.

In 2008, she was named the Clinical Specialist of the Year by the National Institute for Trauma and Loss. She wrote the bibliotherapy book, Billy Had To Move to help Child and Youth Workers, foster parents, social workers, and Play Therapists help children understand that they are not alone int heir experiences or feelings.

Visit her website http://www.theresafraser.com/ for more information.

To Buy:

You can purchase Billy Had To Move and other wonderful resources from Loving Healing Press or on Amazon.com.