About the Book
How can we raise children who are inspired and empowered to make a difference?
This children’s book is the true story of Mercy Project’s innovative process of partnering with fishing villages who own trafficked children and of walking alongside people who need help rather than offering quick fixes or band-aids. It’s written in a way that will spark meaningful conversation between parents and children and encourage young ones (and their parents!) to use their lives to make a difference.
The catalyst for this book was simple. We’ve had the chance to tell the story of the trafficked children in Ghana to thousands of adults. A big part of that story includes our encouragement for people of all ages to make a difference, to act boldly when they see injustices, and to believe that ordinary people can change the world. As we’ve told this story to adults, many responded with two common questions: “How can I teach my kids about this important issue without frightening them?” and “How can I raise children who are inspired and empowered to make a difference in the world?” This book is our response to those important questions.
We believe deeply in the message of this book and are certain it will be different than any of the other books on your child’s bookshelf. Not only will it help your child to become more globally minded but it will also introduce local words from the most popular dialect in Ghana and includes meaningful discussion questions for parents and children to talk about together.
This is not merely a story–it’s an invitation for your child to begin dreaming and planning for how they can use their gifts and life to make the world a better place.
Giving Back
$5 from every book purchased will go directly back to Mercy Project to help continue their work for freedom in Ghana. Mercy Project’s mission is to rescue children from slavery. They partner with families and communities trapped in the cycle of poverty, empowering them with sustainable economic solutions in order to free children from forced labor. Over the last 4 years, Mercy Project has rescued, rehabilitated, and reintegrated 46 children from forced labor. All of those children are now back home and attending school.
Learn more at mercyproject.net.
Meet the creators of the book
Written by Chris Field
Chris Field is the Founder and Executive Director of Mercy Project. He traveled to Ghana for the first time in August of 2009 and has since been on a mission to bring new life to children in slavery as well as empower those around him to make the world a better place.
Chris and his wife Stacey have been married since 2005 and have three young children (with a fourth on the way!). In addition to being a great father and storyteller, Chris is an avid runner, marathon director, gifted speaker, and inspirational world-changer.
Illustrated by Gretchen Nickson
Gretchen Nickson is the Communications Specialist for Mercy Project and oversees aspects of design, marketing, event planning, and photography for the organization. Upon traveling to Ghana in July of 2010, her heart was captured by the Ghanaian people and the children working on Lake Volta; she has worked since then to help promote and tell the story of these children through every visual means possible.
Along with being an artist and designer, Gretchen is a lover of traveling and running and can often be found with a cup of coffee in a hammock or out and about exploring new trails.