City Dreams: A Tale of Three Friends by Dr. Tony Rivera is very misleading. It presents itself as a simple story of three lives that randomly connect in New York City.
But it’s anything but simple.
Dr. Rivera skillfully draws you into the lived experiences of foster care. Each character has a different back story, a unique point of view, and represents a varied history. Yet, they are all so similar. The story is fictional in most elements. However, the emotions and challenges presented through their stories are anything but fake. Against the backdrop of obstacles and successes, the characters join together to grow. Things that some might call common and familiar like family events, college life, and job interviews loom large in the mind of fosters as they try to understand their place in a complicated life pattern.
I recently completed research related to the success of foster care alumni. I was looking for the elements that made the minority stand out from the crowd. I found three substantial things that work together for fosters to succeed. Community to build their confidence and internal value; motivation that keeps them pushing forward when it would be much easier to quit; and self-regulation which allows them the freedom to mourn what they don’t have and face the wounds so they can heal. Of the three, community is the most important. Friends, teachers, mentors, family, and positive voices make the greatest difference.
As if he had read my research, Dr. Rivera weaves these elements throughout the stories of Lila, Jamal and Sophia. Time after time, you hear them build one another up, lean into the strength of their community, and stand up against the obstacles that rise before them. Through the pages they heal and grow together.
Who should read this wonderful story? Middle and high school students - regardless of their family situation; educators everywhere, social workers, counselors, pastors, youth workers, and law enforcement. When you read this book you will see the kids around you with new eyes. If you are or have considered working with fosters, please read this book. This book will build your compassion and knowledge. You will hear the fosters around you in this book.
I saw myself in these pages. At some point each character faced something I have lived. You would think that since I am more than 40 years aged out I would have moved on. Lived experience in foster care is not a label I wear with shame or dread. It shapes who I am and why I am passionate about education.
Similar to the character in City Dreams I can say, “I think we really did find home. Not in a place, but in each other and in the work we’re doing.”
Yes, Lila. I understand what you mean.
To order your copy of City Dreams: A Tale of Three Friends, use this link: CITY DREAMS
You can find Dr. Rivera on LinkedIn. Besides writing amazing stories, he is doing a great deal to pull fosters to a bright future.
