GRACIE BECOMES A ROCK STAR is a perfect example of the confidence, positive self-esteem and determination that all parents want to see in their children.  Gracie is a little girl who knows what she loves to do – sing, dance around and perform – and who is confident enough to see to it that others let her share her talents with them.  She dreams of being a great performer and she proudly burst out in song whenever the opportunity arises.  This includes when visiting her grandparents at the family farm, CedarWood, and she happens upon a rock that makes a ‘perfect stage’.

             GRACIE LIVING HER DREAM

Truth is, I never thought about the book in terms of ‘girl power’ until when visiting my favorite dermatologist and showing her my newly published book, she gave it a good look over and then said, “Oh, so it’s a book about girl power.”  It surprised me a bit since I didn’t think of it in that manner although it obviously shows Gracie as a young girl who believes in herself.

I guess the other important element in the story for me was the older brother, Caden.  He shows a remarkable amount of patience and tolerance for a younger sister (including a good dose of his own self-esteem), while at the same time recognizing that she is talented.  As most of you know, younger sisters can be a real pest, yet he indulges her graciously as she pursues her dream and even admits she is talented.  Boy power at its best!

              CADEN GRACIOUSLY INTRODUCES SISTER GRACIE

I think the real goal for any parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or godparent is to see children, through the years, grow in their confidence, develop their talents and pursue their dreams, yet be well-grounded in their family relationships and values.  Our job is to prepare each child – girl or boy – for the world they will enter on their own as they graduate from high school.  ml