THROUGH MY EYES STORIES BY GALILEE YOUTHS: MAMA'S BLOUSE

Description:

Rada Gabrilov's mother committed suicide when Rada was only one year-old. The suicide was never spoken of. Her father, who struggled to bring her up by himself, sent her and her two bothers to a children's boarding village in the Galilee in northern Israel. Now 17, Rada goes on a trip in an attempt to reveal her mother's true nature.

KIDS FIRST!® Adult Juror Comments:

Well-told, highly introspective story by and 18-year-old girl coming to terms with her mother's suicide when she was an infant. Nicely done. Draws you into the personal journey this young woman embarks on to make peace with her mother and to salvage the relationship with her father. Well written and shows how, even through adversity, there is hope for a positive future. The 18-year-old host reveals herself to us in a very real and open way as she discovers the truth about her past, admits the fears of her present and finally, makes you feel as if she has hope for the future. Teens will relate to her feelings of inadequacy, feeling too fat, not being attractive. They may understand her frustration with her relationship with her dad, feeling as if they never talk except to discuss her studies. Seeing how this young woman forgives her mother and learn not to be afraid to take the lead on mending relationships gives us a great role model. It is sub-titled.