Rosaleen Reviews: In Jesse's Shoes (book) by Beverly Lewis

This book, written at a roughly first- to second-grade level, deals with a sister who gets frustrated dealing with her brother Jesse, who is disabled. Below is a video of how Rosaleen, a five-year-old member of Living Hope Fellowship, felt about the book after having it read to her—she is still an early reader and not able to read it by herself. She does, however, enjoy flipping through and looking at the bright watercolor illustrations.


Since Rosaleen is still learning to read and cannot truly "write" a review, I recorded a video where she answered my questions about the book.

One additional note: Rosaleen’s friend Hunter is not mentally disabled, as Jesse is in this book. He does have Aspberger’s Syndrome (“highly functional” on the Autism Spectrum), and Rosaleen has learned to understand that he sees the world differently, and the two enjoy spending time together often.


I personally love this book. Beautifully illustrated, it also is well-written, articulate but easy to understand, and shows a definite familiarity and appreciation for disabled children. The story deals with a “normal” child’s frustrations in a way that is simple, but realistic, and overall was an enjoyable read for myself as well as Rosaleen. I would definitely recommend that parents purchase it for their children, grandparents for their grandchildren, and teachers for their classrooms.

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF. This book was received from Bethany House for review. The opinions expressed, however, are those of the reviewer and person posting.

Castalia's Cause: How one kid is making a difference

Today I had the extreme pleasure of meeting a young lady that has truly grasped the teachings of Jesus. Abby Grace is 9 years old and has a very good friend in her cousin Castalia, who is 7.

Abby Grace, left, & cousin Castalia

One year ago, Castalia was diagnosed with leukemia, and has undergone treatment since diagnosis. She has recently re-entered a serious treatment phase and makes frequent trips from small-town East Texas to Dallas for treatment. Castalia's parents do not have insurance to cover treatment costs, as she was diagnosed a few weeks prior to her father's insurance becoming active at his job.


Abby wanted to help. She was sad that her cousin was sick and unable to play, and had to wear a mask everywhere she went. Castalia was not allowed to attend school, as her immune system was weakened by the chemotherapy as well.

Abby started working on a painting while I was there

Like her mother Charity, Abby Grace has a natural artistic flair, so they decided that art was an answer. Together, they scour the Internet for inspiration, then design crosses, flowers, hearts, and other fun patterns for Abby to paint. Abby Grace originally planned to sell the paintings for around $40 each and hoped to raise $1000 to help with treatment costs. With $50 startup investment, she set to work, and eventually started a Facebook page to promote Castalia's Cause, and begin auctioning the paintings instead. In 3 days, she raised $1000.


To date, Abby Grace has raised $7500, and has raised her goal to $10,000. After that, she says, she's going take a break for awhile.

Meeting this sweet young lady was definitely a pleasure. She is bright, friendly, and well-spoken. She was a gracious host, and happy to talk about her cousin and why she wanted to help. She enjoys playing with Castalia and looks forward to getting to do so again. Castalia's prognosis is good, but there is a long way to go still.

One of Abby Grace's paintings

Please keep this amazing family in your prayers. Not only is Castalia re-entering a treatment phase, her father Joe (an Iraq war vet injured by an IED) was in a serious motorcycle accident. He is currently in ICU fighting an infection, and has lost a kidney, broken his scapula, and crushed one of his cheekbones, as well as one of his legs. He is also suffering from an aortic tear, which needs to be repaired as soon as possible.


To find out more about Castalia's Cause, visit the Facebook page. You can also read about Abby Grace's efforts and the outpouring of community support on KLTV (East Texas), the Longview News-Journal, News 12 Beaumont, and the Trammel Trace Tribune (Tatum, Tx.). You can also email Abby Grace's mom Charity at castaliascause@gmail.com. 

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF.