This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot is a Clinical Psychologist and author. She writes family-friendly books for those from ages two to one hundred and two. She has won multiple awards from Readers Favorite and her books are used at schools, colleges and libraries across the nation.
Dr. Pirnot's book AS I AM was co-authored by Garret Frey, a former patient who struggled to obtain a free public education as a quadriplegic, ventilator-dependent child. He fought through the courts, a battle which ended up before the judges of the US Supreme Court. The judgment in the case is now a hallmark decision affecting thousands of handicapped children across the nation. The 5 book, mid-grade series called Ordinary Kids features various special needs people (children and adults) in everyday situations.
Tapping into her work as a psychologist, Dr. Pirnot puts her characters into realistic but difficult situations and then allows them to dig their way through to successful results. This approach allows both child and adult characters to feel a sense of efficacy in their own abilities.
The autobiography Just A Common Lady details Dr. Pirnot's own struggles as a child. Her mother died at a young age, leaving Dr. Pirnot and her siblings in the care of various family members for years. The lessons she learned from these caretakers undoubtedly influenced her multivariate approach as a practicing psychologist.
Dr. Pirnot may be reached at her website:
www.drpirnotbooks.com
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
"A Christmas of Grace" is the story of eleven year old Grace Gillian and her almost six year old brother Henry James. For the Gillian children life had never really been stable. Because of their alcoholic mother, Grace had always been the one to make sure that her little brother always had something to eat. When Grace overhears their landlord telling their mother that they have to vacate the trailer they have been living in within two days, Grace is unsure what they will do, but when she wakes up and learns that her mother has abandoned her she realizes it is up to her to take care of her brother. Since it is Christmas break the only plan she can come up with is for them to stay at the public library. Her greatest fear is that they might be found out and put into the foster care system, but what actually happens when their secret is discovered will change their lives forever.
Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot tells a story about two children that seems so realistic that it brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. I could easily imagine that this story could honestly happen in the way that it did! Though Grace is only twelve she seems so much more mature, which is often the case whenever a child finds itself placed in the role of the caregiver to a sibling. Henry James was such a sweet boy, but often exhibited anxiety, because he was never sure what might happen. He really seemed to blossom though once they were in the library, his hunger for learning to read was so touching! Both children were very savvy at coming up with ways to survive for another day. The relationship between the siblings was touching, and really shows what it means to be family. In addition to the author's very realistic portrayal of how alcoholism can affect families, she also touches on several other relevant topics such as race relations, and how children can often tease others that are less fortunate than they are. A touching story that deals with a tough subject that leaves the reader feeling hopeful, and thinking about the characters long after the final page is read! Although this story takes place during Christmas, it would be a great read anytime of the year, as it is filled with several valuable life lessons that would be beneficial for children and adults alike.
