Billy Had to Move
Billy Had to Move by Theresa Ann Fraser, published by Loving Healing Press in January 2009, is a 28-page children’s book that explores the emotional journey of a young boy named Billy. After the unexpected death of his grandmother, with whom he had been living, Billy faces the challenges of being placed in a new foster home. The narrative delves into his experiences of loss and adjustment as he navigates this significant change in his life, supported by his social worker and a play therapist.
Readers will find that the story addresses themes related to family dynamics, the foster care system, and the emotional complexities faced by children in similar situations. Through Billy’s journey, the book highlights the importance of understanding and compassion in the context of social services and welfare. This edition serves as a resource for caregivers and professionals working with children in foster care, offering insights into the therapeutic process and the significance of play therapy in helping children express their feelings and cope with trauma.
Official synopsis Publisher
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
Learn More About This Book at www.TheresaFraser.com
From the Growing With Love series at Loving Healing Press www.LovingHealing.com
Juvenile Fiction: Family – Orphans & Foster Homes
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