Young Adult’s Books – Jan Crossen

Young Adult's Books

They Call Me CAT

* For young adults

* For parents, foster parents, guardians, teachers, social workers, therapists, those living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

They Call Me CAT is the amalgamation of the three books in the 9 LIVES Trilogy, a 2009 Gold Level Mom’s Choice Award Winning Young Adult Series.

This book tells the story of Joshua, a young African American boy who was adopted as an older child, and who lives in an interracial home with two loving mothers. Joshua is a tenacious child who, like a lucky feline, defies death on several occasions.

His challenges began while he was still in his birth mother’s womb. Like many adopted teens, Joshua struggles to understand his identity and his past.

This is a tale of self discovery and learning to cope with the challenges of living with a brain disability caused by fetal exposure to alcohol. It is a story of survival, relationships, love, and hope.

“Powerful”
“This book is written from the point of view of a young boy suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome and his journey through the foster care system and into adoption. It addresses some major issues, such as dealing with learning disabilities, living with an alcoholic parent, going into the foster care system and ultimately being adopted by and living within a biracial family. And does this with much empathy and compassion, made all the more powerful because it is told through the eyes of the child. Would love to see this in the school systems. Think of the eyes it would open! Highly recommended.”

Mom's Choice Awards®

2009 Award Recipient
Young Adult Books Series

9 Lives, I will survive

Joshua is a tenacious young boy who, like a lucky feline, appears to live a charmed life by defying death on several occasions. His challenges began while he was still in his birth mother’s womb. This is a story of survival, and the interracial adoption of an older, special needs child into a home with two loving and committed mothers.

“A Grand Family”
“I was moved by the tender feelings of this family struggling with adapting to so many challenges. I was educated in many ways and wanted to keep turning pages to see how Josh met his everyday problems. I felt the love and sharing that developed with this family. I want to share this knowledge with others who need help with their own struggles. I couldn't put the book down and eagerly await the next contributions. Kudos to Josh and his Mom's. Love can make the difference between walking tall and faltering for the rest of your life. Thanks for the insight.”

9 Lives, Cat Tales

“I LOVED this book!”
“9 Lives, Cat Tales, is a page turner! I couldn't wait to see what this young fellow, Josh, was going to experience next. The chapters are short and easy to read and because it is written in the first person, I felt like I was in the same room as Josh as he was telling me his stories and recollections. After I finished this book, I wanted to invite Josh over to dinner to share more of his memories. I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the author's trilogy.”

9 Lives, Full Circle

“Well written final for the trilogy”
“I've read all three books in this trilogy with this being the final book. The story is compelling, and is one that needs to be heard by many. As a healthcare professional, I feel the series would be appropriate for prospective adoptive parents, middle and high school students, young adults, newly married couples, early child-hood intervention groups, etc. The author has written this in a style that is easily understandable by a widely varied audience from children to adults. This subject (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) needs more attention to aid in its prevention. Ms. Crossen does of good job of beginning this process.”