Beth Fehlbaum

The American Library Association named Hope in Patience a 2011 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers!!

Children's Literature:  "Ashley's struggles to make friends in a new school, to fit in, to figure out who she is are normal teen issues even if her personal history is not. Even readers who have not been abused will connect with Ashley and her friends. Their voices are real. Their struggles are real. For those who have or are dealing with similar issues, this book speaks up where perhaps they cannot...this title deserves a place in every high school and community library."

VOYA's teen reviewer 

says, "I was astounded

to find that anyone

can relate to Ashley's 

story and that the

book was remarkably 

optimistic and fun."

"The author is to be applauded  for her courageous and accurate portrayal of the many small steps that lead toward psychological healing. It is Ashley's friendships with other 'misfits' that help Ashley understand that she, too, deserves love. This book will open hearts and might well save lives."- School Library Journal, 1/1/2011

",,,Ashley will have readers rooting for her."-- Publisher's Weekly

Honest and direct, Ashley Asher is a beacon for at-risk teens. You are not alone, her story says; others have survived and so can you.  This is one of the hardest and most important things for at-risk teens to remember -- and believe -- during their long, lonely nights of the soul. Hope in Patience is the kind of book that can save lives.     

  - Allan Stratton, Printz Honor author of Chanda's Secrets and Borderline

Beth Fehlbaum digs down into the intensely painful and unforgettable pain of Ashley Asher, a girl who has every reason to give up all hope, but who chooses the far more difficult path, finding a way to be strong and healthy. An extremely brave work, Hope in Patience takes us places we don't want to go but must, if we are to care about victims of child sexual abuse. 

-Terry Trueman, Printz Honor Author of Stuck in Neutral

 Hope in Patience is a powerful novel about overcoming abuse, letting go of anger, and learning the true meaning of family.  Thankfully, most readers will never endure Ashley's trauma, but all readers can identify with her vulnerability as she journeys on the road to resilience.

      - Daria Snadowsky, author of Anatomy of a Boyfriend

 The grittiest, most uncompromising story I've ever read about a mother and daughter. You've got to meet Ashley Asher, a teen heroine for our tough times.

   - Robert Lipsyte, author of Raiders Night--  New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age,  and The Contender-- ALA Notable Children’s Book, ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults, Library of Congress Children’s Books, and  New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age

Ashley's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, a true testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Written with elegance and fearless honesty, this book is a shot of hope, and quite simply a must-read for anyone who's suffered abuse.

 - Jennifer Brown, author of Hate List, a 2010 ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a 2009 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Beth Fehlbaum touches on many life issues here, but the book's strength and Fehlbaum's talent show in her eloquent core story of 15-year-old Ashley Nicole's painful and courageous struggle out of deep psychological damage caused by years of abuse and molestation into the beginning of healing and the gradual return of self-esteem, personhood, and an understanding of the true nature of love.

--Nancy Garden, author of Annie on My Mind, named by ALA as One of the Best of the Best Books for Young Adults of the Last 4 Decades of the 20th Century

 In this powerful story Fehlbaum scrapes below the surface of the trauma caused by sexual abuse,exposing layer after layer of pain and damage. She then shows how complex the healing process is, fraught with setbacks. Using a cast of delightful, multi-dimensional characters, Fehlbaum also shows that recovery is possible, and the human spirit is indomitable. A remarkable achievement.

--Shelley Hrdlitschka, author of Dancing Naked, an ALA Quick Pick 2003, ALA Best Book Nominee 2003, ALA Popular Paperback Nominee 2003, CLA Y/A Honour Book 2002, White Pine Award (Ontario Readers Choice Award) 2002, CCBC Our Choice Award 2002, International Reading Association Choice for Young Adults, ALA Popular Paperback, 2005

This gripping novel takes us deep into the emotional devastation of Ashley Asher, who finds strength and courage in a small Texas town after her step-father's abuse and mother's abandonment. Readers won't be able to put this book down.

-- Mary Beth Miller, author of AIMEE, a 2002 ALA Best Book for Young Adults, Colorado Blue Spruce Book for 2003,  & named by Barnes and Noble as one of the Best of 2002 in their teen category

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I am available to Skype/Videoconference for free with bookclubs, libraries, etc. Interested?Contact me at beth@bethfehlbaum.com

Please see an excellent article from School Library Journal about virtual author visits- it's very informative!

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6673572.html