Raising Taylor, Finding Superwoman

The Difficult Choices Many Parents Find Hard to Make

Non-Fiction - Memoir
101 Pages
Reviewed on 06/04/2021
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Author Biography

Sharon Taylor-Harris is a first-time book writer and the author of Raising Taylor, Finding Superwoman our Way. She worked in a demanding position for many years while raising Taylor. She has shown strength, guidance, and courage of leadership as head of the household as a single mom. Her book was inspired by her daughter and the feature film Waiting for Superman. This is the groundbreaking film that provides and engaging and inspiring look at public education in the Unitec States. That has helped launch a movement to achieve a real and lasting change.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite

Raising Taylor, Finding Superwoman: The Difficult Choices Many Parents Find Hard to Make is about a single mother raising her daughter in today’s competitive world. Author Sharon Taylor-Harris writes candidly about the time, effort, and sacrifices both she and her daughter put into Taylor’s schooling and outside-the-classroom activities. They faced even greater challenges than most parents and children, not only because Taylor-Harris is a single mother, but also because Taylor suffered mysterious and serious medical problems when she was in fifth grade. Also, Taylor-Harris’ quest to give Taylor the best academic advantages suffered a setback because the school Taylor initially attended was in danger of losing its accreditation. Mother and daughter made the huge decision to move to another school district. Happily, Taylor is an extremely bright, hardworking student and excelled inside and outside of her classes. The book ends with Taylor’s acceptance and attendance at a well-regarded university.

Author Sharon Taylor-Harris wrote this book, in her words, to “tell our story to share our accomplishments . . .” and that’s an excellent reason. However, Raising Taylor, Finding Superwoman: The Difficult Choices Many Parents Find Hard to Make does much more than that. It’s an inspiring story for all parents and children. As a father of two, I know that many of the struggles and joys involved in raising my kids to be happy, successful adults are now lost to forgotten memories. Taylor will not have that problem. Her mother has gifted her with a book that they both can read and enjoy for the rest of their lives. I’m sure that someday Taylor’s children will also read this book and learn much about their mother’s early life. That’s a precious gift this mother has given her daughter.

Irene Valentine

Sharon Taylor-Harris's Raising Taylor, Finding Superwoman delivers the difficult choices many parents find hard to make. Sharon voices the ongoing concerns facing every parent at the many stages of their child’s journey through their school years. As a single parent, she considers all aspects of these important decisions. She takes into account the vision of the school. She recognizes the powerful influence of her daughter's educational environment. For Taylor to aspire and develop her potential, she needed to see others strive and achieve. She mentions valuable principles like the “Infinite Campus”.

Sharon has a demanding and fulfilling professional career. She illustrates the importance of her own decision to engage and take part in school events as a parent. In one instance she took time off work, and it was uncomfortable to sit with Taylor and her friends for lunch. But she saw first-hand the respectful behavior among the children. It assured her of the positive environment she sought for her daughter. Sharon and her daughter discussed decisions along the way, Sometimes they had to revisit the plan and adapt. They had seen another option, or something was beyond their control. Creative new learning experiences, like the summer Taylor learned to play golf, helped her develop confidence in other skills. Taylor's sixteenth birthday surprise celebration was a thoughtful and innovative way to create a special honoring memory!

Easy to read and engaging, this is a useful tool for all parents as they negotiate the journey through their child’s school years. The author cites the specific outcomes she sought for each school year and the route they chose. Reviewing the journey in the conclusion, Sharon Taylor-Harris has written her story to help others find hope and options for their own choices. I also appreciated the inclusion of a few personal photos. Parents, god-parents, grandparents, teachers, and child-carers will all enjoy and find value in reading Raising Taylor, Finding Superwoman.