Glennis, Before and After

Glennis, Before and After is a sensitive and thoughtful chapter book for children aged 4-11, focusing on the emotional journey of twelve-year-old Glennis. Her father is in a detention center, and the story delves into how Glennis grapples with his absence, the societal perceptions, and her own feelings of loneliness and identity. The narrative gently explores complex themes like forgiveness, resilience, and the idea that emotional 'prisons' can be as confining as physical ones. It's a powerful story about maintaining family connections and finding personal strength during difficult times, offering a nuanced look at a challenging life moment.

While her father serves his term in a detention center, twelve-year-old Glennis learns that "not all prisons are made out of stone, and spiders aren't the only ones who can weave webs."