Ava's Dream - Softcover

Ridgway, Joseph J.

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798893246193

Publisher: Franklin Publishers, 2025

Synopsis

Ava is an 11-year-old girl with a heart full of compassion and a dream for justice. When her blind friend, Sofia Jo, is denied entry to the town's new park because of a "No Dogs Allowed" rule that excludes her seeing-eye dog, Ava embarks on a journey to change the law. Guided by her wise and supportive grandfather, Ava learns about the three branches of government, the U.S. Constitution, and the power of perseverance.

Ava's Dream introduces young readers to the principles of equality, civic duty, and problem-solving through a heartfelt narrative. Set in 1953, the story blends history, education, and the universal values of empathy and fairness. This inspiring tale not only entertains but empowers kids to understand their rights and the impact of laws in their lives.

Perfect for parents, educators, and young readers who are curious about justice, democracy, and standing up for what’s right, Ava's Dream is more than a story—it's a lesson in hope and determination.

About this title

About the Author

Joseph J. Ridgway is a New Jersey attorney who has practiced law for over forty-five years. He is a graduate of Seton Hall University, where he majored in psychology. He is also a graduate of Rutgers School of Law (JD) and Temple University School of Law (LLM in Taxation). Over the course of his legal and academic career as an adjunct instructor, Ridgway has taught American history, business law, and criminal law at various New Jersey and Pennsylvania colleges and universities.
 
In addition to writing children's literature historical fiction, Ridgway is an award-winning poet, being consistently nominated for numerous prestigious Pushcart Prizes for his stellar poetry. Further, the author is an accomplished essayist, with his writings appearing in a variety of nationwide publications.
 
Ridgway lives in Marlton, New Jersey with his wife Diane and their rescue dog Sadie.

From the Back Cover

In Ava's Dream, young Ava Isabella wakes from a dream with an urgent sense of purpose. When her blind friend Sofia Jo and her guide dog, Sadie, are banned from the town's new park, Ava is determined to challenge the unfair rule. Guided by her wise grandfather, she begins a journey through civics and the importance of standing up for others.

As Ava learns about laws, rights, and justice, she discovers the power of compassion and perseverance. This heartfelt story of friendship and courage reminds readers of all ages that a single voice, filled with kindness and determination, can bring about meaningful change.

From the Inside Flap

Welcome, all readers, and thank you for allowing me to share with you an important part of the amazing story of our United States Constitution. Ava's Dream travels beyond the unbelievable and well-known tale of our Founding Fathers who risked their careers, their families, and their own lives to start a new country by revolting against the awesome power of Great Britain and its ruler, King George III. We all know our revolution was successful; what followed, however, truly was the most incredible part of our history.

Think of sitting at your desk while attempting to write a plan the government and people of our new country will follow forever, a plan that would provide the means to justice and freedom for all, which were previously denied. What would you write? How would you begin?

Our Founding Fathers decided to start with these three words, "We the People..." Clearly, they were saying we wanted to govern ourselves. For almost 250 years, we have done just that: we have governed ourselves. Governance has not been perfect - no human is. While sometimes taking two steps forward and one step back, we continuously persevere.

What has been the single most important key to our success? How have we been able to keep on the path of self-governance without finding ourselves lost in the woods? My hope is the tale told in this book answers, in large part, these questions. It is also my wish that the readers, many of whom are the future safe-keepers of our nation, will remember the importance of this lesson as you continue on your path as one of "We the People."
~ Joseph Ridgway

Edition details

• Publisher: Franklin Publishers
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798893246193
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 106