Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me - 300

When an idealistic activist objects to her siblings’ plan to ship their disabled sister off to a nursing home, she’s forced to choose between family and her sister’s freedom. A true story about disability, sisters, and standing up for the right to be yourself. “The result is more than a memoir: it’s a testimony to how ‘tickets to freedom’ are gained through fighting and love.” D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review Franke James is an environmental activist who got into trouble in her own backyard—family trouble. She objected when she heard her siblings’ plan to put their disabled sister, Teresa Heartchild, into a nursing home. Teresa, who has Down syndrome, refused to go. But the other siblings insisted and secretly put Teresa into an institution for end-of-life care. Teresa was in shock. Franke was horrified and organized a rescue. That’s when all hell broke loose. The two sisters had to stand together—against their siblings, the medical system, and the police—to defend Teresa’s right to be free. This is a true story about a key civil rights issue for all people with disabilities—the right to decide where you live. CONTENT WARNING: This story deals with dysfunctional family relationships and ableist attitudes, which some readers may find upsetting. THIRTY-THREE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS Including: NYC Big Book Award, 2024 Winner, Social/Political Change Winner, Audiobook Nonfiction IAN Book of the Year Awards (2024) Nonfiction: “Outstanding True Story,” Book of the Year eLit Awards (2024) Audiobook, Autobiography/Biography, Silver Literary Titan (Q4 2024) Nonfiction, Gold BookFest Awards, Fall 2024 Silver Winner, Memoir, Personal Nonfiction Silver Winner, Audiobook, Overall Presentation, Nonfiction Silver Winner, Human Rights & Political Movements Human Relations Indie Book Award Winner, 2024 Gold Award, Family Challenges Gold Award, Special Needs (Disability Rights) Silver Award, Leadership Silver Award, Inspirational Firebird Book Awards, Q2, 2024 Judges’ Pick 1st place, Social/Political Change 1st place, Special Needs (Disability Rights) 2nd place, Leadership 2nd place, Inspiration Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, Summer 2024 1st Place, Inspiration More PRAISE for Freeing Teresa “What sets Freeing Teresa apart is its emotional intensity. Family disputes are never easy, but the stakes here feel especially high... Yet, amidst the darkness, the love between Franke and Teresa shines brightly. This bond is the heart of the book, offering hope and resilience even in the face of adversity.” ~ Literary Titan “Freeing Teresa describes a beautiful bond between sisters impacted by the challenges of understanding disability rights through adulthood.” ~ Susan Peterson, Founder, Human Relations Indie Book Awards Sequel coming in 2026!
ASIN: 1999406109
VSKU: BVV.1999406109.VG
Condition: Very Good
Author/Artist:James, Franke|James, Billiam|Heartchild, Teresa
Binding: Paperback