Book Description

"Monty's Day in Court" shows young people they have the power to bring about change for themselves and others. Monty's story serves as a tool for children in learning resilience and as an aid for those on the front lines helping young people through challenging times. The book follows 10-year-old Monty's journey as he learns it is ok to be upset about his experiences and works through his feelings with his therapist. After he is subpoenaed to testify, caring adults help him understand what will happen in court and the support he will have throughout the process. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, are costly. They include experiences such as abuse or growing up while a parent is incarcerated. The economic and social costs to families, communities and society totals hundreds of billions of dollars each year. For children, ACEs can have life-long consequences. Interventions and professional support go a long way in addressing ACEs, providing both short and long-term safety nets for vulnerable children."Monty's Day in Court" assists therapists, court programs, social workers, teachers, law enforcement, attorneys and parents in helping children better understand the process of testifying in court and reduce the traumatic impact of the experience. Author Jessica Miles is a former foster parent who writes about her family's experiences. Illustrator Gina Dee is a foster parent and has written books about trauma and foster care. Reviews"Being called to testify in a courtroom is unsettling for any individual. This experience is exponentially impactful for a traumatized child. As an elementary principal, this book is an invaluable tool to have on site to better support students who face a similar situation." Deb Ganderton, Principal, McKinley Elementary School"It's a great tool and for a great cause." Vanessa Dudley-Miller, State Director, Kansas Court-Appointed Special Advocates"This book is excellent! I loved all of it, but especially the definitions of the different courtroom characters. The descriptions of the gamut of emotions a child goes through were excellent." Patricia Robles, Social Worker