In the lyrical book, If Grandma Were Here (2020), Amber Bradbury shares her mother’s enduring legacy.
As a child, Amber Bradbury was surrounded by strength and compassion. In the 1970s, her grandmother fought to raise the minimum wage. Her mother, Yvonne Hogan, 49, was training as a medical assistant when, in 2013, Yvonne was fatally stabbed by Ebony Harris, 23, in the second-floor hallway of their New Jersey apartment building. Shortly after his conviction, Harris died of heart failure.
“I thought, this is it. There’s nothing I can do to bring my mom back, but I also can’t live with this anger, it’s not doing anyone any good,” said Amber.
Despite all they had shared, Amber’s family had never spoken about grief. An only child growing up (who was now a mother with two young children of her own) Amber struggled with the horrific reality of her mother’s sudden death.
“I did not have a lot of time to grieve and had to continue on like everything was fine when it wasn’t,” she said.
Starting the Conversation
Resolved to share her mother’s wonderful spirit, and their loving bond, with others, Amber wrote If Grandma Were Here, for children ages 3 to 7, as a way for families to approach the difficulties around conversations about death.
Picked up by more than 50 libraries, this gentle, relatable book has also been read by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, on her YouTube show, Storytime with Fergie & Friends.
Because it helps children with feelings of loss, this book’s therapeutic nature has turned Amber into an informal expert on the topic of grief. Further influenced by her father, John’s, dedication to helping children (and recognized for his decade of volunteer service as a Child Advocate), Amber also participates in the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region’s community-based reading program.
An Enduring Legacy of Compassion
Amber’s journey has also inspired her to share the importance of appreciation, and living in the now, with her three children; Jayden, Giselle, and Savannah.
It is a philosophy she hopes they will carry with them, and remember, throughout all of life’s unexpected twists and turns.
“I try to teach them to act in compassion every day. That they should, can, and are capable of, helping others. When you help each other, you help yourself,” said Amber.
For more information and to buy the book online, go to
www.ifgrandmawerehere.com. For updates on author Amber Bradbury’s newest title, If Grandpa Were Here, due out later this year, follow her on Facebook.
Children today are experiencing so much patriotism marred by division and political pandering, it is easy to forget the flag is red, white, and blue.
“The flag is more than a piece of fabric, there’s something behind it,” said Elizabeth Tesoriero, author of When You Stand for Me, I’m Alive (2020).
By chronicling the evolution of America’s flag, from its perspective, children ages 3 to 10, are introduced to the idea that it is a living entity in need of care, empathy, and respect.
Sweet Land of Liberty
Inspired by her hero - her grandfather, John J. Marcil, who died at 96, the oldest World War II veteran in Albany County - Elizabeth grew up seeing the flag displayed proudly. She also saw how upsetting it was for him, and other veterans, when the flag was disrespected.
As a local elementary teacher, Elizabeth wants to spread the bi-partisan message that despite America’s other failings, we do have the freedom to disagree. And, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Elizabeth has a dream of uniting all Americans as one.
Eternally grateful for those who have died serving their fellow countrymen, Elizabeth has met many other WWII veterans like her grandfather on her journey.
“That generation was really amazing. They put their lives on the line when they were 18-years-old. Their bravery was unbelievable. They just really loved this country,” said Elizabeth.
One Nation, Indivisible
Educational and easy-to-read, When You Stand for Me, I’m Alive gets kids thinking about the country’s complex history.
“It’s a light-hearted, fun, nice story and kids absolutely love it! It gives them the opportunity to ask questions,” said Elizabeth.
This is a book that can be enjoyed over and over on holidays like Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Flag Day. Elizabeth also uses When You Stand for Me, I’m Alive to introduce her students to the reasons behind why they recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily.
“When you look at something and give it life, you appreciate it more, and for the rest of your life,” she said.
That Star-Spangled Banner
To honor those who lost their lives in the perilous fight, a portion of the proceeds from book sales is donated to Wreaths Across America.
Their ceremonious distribution of wreaths is a beautiful, yet chilling, reminder of the legacy left in the hands of those who remain.
Buy the newest edition of When You Stand for Me, I’m Alive on Amazon or www.whenyoustandforme.com. For updates and information on author visits, check the website or look for Elizabeth Lupo Tesoriero on Instagram.