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Teresa Burrell has dedicated her life to helping children and their families in both the courtroom and the classroom.
As an attorney in San Diego, Burrell maintained a private law practice for twelve years, which specialized in domestic, criminal, and civil cases. Her work in juvenile court focused on representing abused minors and juvenile delinquents. Burrell has received several awards and special recognition from the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers for her countless hours of pro bono work with children and their families.
Burrell has also enjoyed a satisfying career as a teacher. She has taught children of all ages with diverse backgrounds and special needs. After creating an after-school program that kept kids off the street, she received a community service award.
Now in semi-retirement in California, Burrell continues to educate groups about social issues impacting children and write novels, many of which are inspired by actual legal cases. She is the author of The Advocate Series which now contains thirteen novels: The Advocate is the first in The Advocate Series. I have twelve more, The Advocate's Betrayal, The Advocate's Conviction, The Advocate’s Dilemma, The Advocate’s Ex Parte, The Advocate’s Felony, The Advocate’s Geocache, The Advocate’s Homicides, The Advocate's Illusion, The Advocate's Justice, The Advocate’s Killer, The Advocate's Labyrinth, and The Advocate's Memory. I have also started a second series with a character named Tuper who first appeared in Book #6, The Advocate's Felony. Those books are Mason's Missing, Finding Frankie and Recovering Rita.
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In Gaspar the Flatulating Ghost by Teresa Burrell, a little ghost called Gaspar lives alone in an empty house in California. All the other ghosts in the neighborhood are mean to him because Gaspar suffers from terrible and stinky gas when he eats his favorite food; ice cream. They do not understand that Gaspar is lactose intolerant and call him mean names like 'Smelly' and 'Putrid'. One day a new family moves into the house. Gaspar believes that his lonely days are over, and the Stone family will become his new friends. As much as he tries to get their attention, they cannot see him. Gaspar is so sad he turns to his one love; icecream. Then he realizes that not everyone is mean, there are some people that are happy to be his friend and accept him just the way he is.
Gaspar the Flatulating Ghost by Teresa Burrell is such a delightful children's book that tackles the little-known topic of lactose intolerance in a way children will understand. Little Gaspar is a wonderful character, he is so kind and gentle. The illustrations complement the book so well and really bring out the character's personality, as well as giving opportunities for adults to discuss the story further. The subject matter of the book would be a great conversation starter in schools or between parents and children regarding bullying or teasing anyone who is different from themselves. Hayden was non-judgemental and patient with Gaspar and his condition, while others teased or ignored him. This is a powerful message from which children could learn a great deal.
