Portia's Incredible Journey

by Emma L. Price

Overview

Portia's Incredible Journey is a page-turning novel about overcoming adversity, family separation, and coming of age told from the point of view of Portia Maddox, an eleven year-old African-American girl. When Portia faces the worst day of her life, she thinks things could not get any worse. But this is just the beginning of an incredible year from having to give herself insulin, to bullying, to the threat of her family breaking up.

Only when Portia understands the words from Grandma Ruth, "Life's a succession of storms that makes us grow stronger," can she deal with these difficult challenges that continue to surface.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780984165001
Publisher:	ELP Books
Publication date:	04/06/2010
Pages:	143
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Emma Price was born in North Carolina. She has fond memories of hot summers where she would find a place to stay cool and read. Reading was her way of visiting exciting places and meeting interesting people.

Mrs. Price graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Arts Education: Curriculum Degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills. In 2000, she was awarded the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification and in that year, she joined the Performance-Based Leadership Team for implementing Performance-Based Assessments to measure student achievement of the learning standards. In 1999, she served on the Task Force of Mentor Teachers (LAUSD) who developed Standards-Based Lessons for the Division of Instructions.

Mrs. Price retired in 2005 after fourteen years as a classroom teacher and five years as a Consulting Teacher with The Peer Assistance and Review Program (PAR) for the Los Angeles Unified School District and United Teachers Los Angeles.

Mrs. Price is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, a member of Children's Literature Council of Southern California and a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association. She has volunteered for The Pan African Film & Arts Festival, The Leimert Park Village Book Festival in Los Angeles, and The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Mrs. Price has been a tutor for the non-profit organization Reading Partners © and at present does "guest Author" presentations with LA's BEST of Greater Los Angeles Schools.

Emma Price hopes to have "Another Girl Calls My Dad Daddy" and "Portia's Incredible Journey" in classrooms, libraries and homes of children who are 8 to 16 years of age. Her books contain conflicts and struggles in which they can identify and the books help children learn various ways others solve everyday problems.

Mrs. Price has two adult children, a granddaughter, and two great-grandchildren. She resides in Southern California.

Editorial Reviews

"How did everything go so wrong so quickly?" laments the almost 11-year-old narrator of Price's debut novel, after her parents tell her she must learn to administer her own insulin shots rather than rely on them to do it. Portia then flashes back a year, to when she was diagnosed with diabetes, adjusted her diet, and learned how to test her blood sugar. In the present, a visit from her cousin, who also has diabetes, comforts Portia, as both girls deal with their health-related problems. Attending a summer camp for diabetics, Portia reaches out to an ornery girl who is also afraid of giving herself insulin shots. Back home, Portia worries about the growing tension between her parents and fears they will divorce. While the story may reassure diabetic readers, it's weighed down by extraneous, stilted dialogue. The story's histrionic tenor reaches a crescendo when a truck slams into the van that Portia and several family members are riding in—while fleeing a hurricane—and Portia requires surgery for a broken arm. Portia's close bond with her caring grandmother adds an affecting note to this overwrought novel. Ages 6–12.

Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly

"How did everything go so wrong so quickly?" laments the almost 11-year-old narrator of Price's debut novel, after her parents tell her she must learn to administer her own insulin shots rather than rely on them to do it. Portia then flashes back a year, to when she was diagnosed with diabetes, adjusted her diet, and learned how to test her blood sugar. In the present, a visit from her cousin, who also has diabetes, comforts Portia, as both girls deal with their health-related problems. Attending a summer camp for diabetics, Portia reaches out to an ornery girl who is also afraid of giving herself insulin shots. Back home, Portia worries about the growing tension between her parents and fears they will divorce. While the story may reassure diabetic readers, it's weighed down by extraneous, stilted dialogue. The story's histrionic tenor reaches a crescendo when a truck slams into the van that Portia and several family members are riding in—while fleeing a hurricane—and Portia requires surgery for a broken arm. Portia's close bond with her caring grandmother adds an affecting note to this overwrought novel. Ages 6-12.

Midwest Book Review

No one's life is perfect, and it's dealing with those imperfections that makes us better people. "Portia's Incredible Journey" is a novel for children focusing on the constant challenges that young people face through their life, and as Portia's Grandmother puts it, weathering the succession of storms. With a powerful message for youth readers and much to inspire, "Portia's Incredible Journey" is a strong addition for any youth fiction collection.

Sherri Ginsberg/School Librarian-Hillsides, Pasadena, CA

"Portia's Incredible Journey" is indeed an incredible book. The author deftly handles the subject of diabetes and how to handle the process of using a needle everyday even when you are too scared to do it yourself. Portia also has to deal with a bully and the author handles this subject matter quite well. Ms. Price fills the reader with lots of good information while being entertaining and engaging. It is a book that should be in every elementary school library and also in all public libraries. A necessary purchase.

A. Yamada, National Board Certified Teacher, Sixth Avenue Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA

Your book is wonderful. I mentioned to you that the suspense you built up until the end concerning why Portia's parents separated was brilliant. That is why readers will not want to put the book down. I was so impressed with the research you must have done concerning the medical aspect of diabetes. I even love how you wrote the words for the weather broadcast by the meteorologist on television reporting about the hurricane. Great Job! Overall, the book is great. I really feel for Portia and everything going on in her life. You built a character in Portia that I want to know more about and know more about what will happen in her future.

Wendy Li., LMT, Portola Middle School, Orange, CA

“Portia's Incredible Journey" is a heartwarming story about an eleven year-old girl named Portia, who must brave a challenging journey of personal crisis and self-discovery, learning to understand the sun always shines after the rain is gone. With her grandma's sage advice, her perseverance, and the unconditional love of her parents, Portia blossoms into a mature young lady who learns to love and be loved.
The heroine created by Ms. Emma Price is a positive role model for boys and girls facing difficult circumstances and going through their own troubles.

Janik Sundher Hundal, Literacy Coach, Los Angeles Academy, Los Angeles Unified School District

I finished "Portia's Incredible Journey" this morning. I REALLY enjoyed it. I had tears in my eyes a few times. It's an amazing first book!

Sue Ganz-Schmitt, author of "Even Superheroes Get Diabetes"

"Portia's Incredible Journey" is filled with adventures and mysteries. This is a page turner that will comfort and enlighten young readers.

Beverly Jean Crosby, Principal, Fifty Second Street Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA

As an educator, I know how important it is for children to read quality literature books, such as "Portia's Incredible Journey" that are culturally responsive and relevant.

Zachary C., 5TH grade, West Clayton Elementary School, Clayton, NC

Portia is a likable character and I enjoyed reading this book.

Pinkie Young, RN, BSN, MS, author of "One Child's Faith, One Child's Courage"

"Portia's Incredible Journey" was so entertaining, I couldn't stop reading it until I finished. This book is great for young people to read and learn how their peers handle serious problems maturely. It was rewarding to see how Portia grew and matured.

G. Jackson-Bassett, National Board Certified Teacher, Castle Heights Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA

I loved, loved, loved reading your book! I took it to Hawaii. While on the plane, I could not put it down. While sitting on the balcony overlooking the partial ocean view, I read with complete enjoyment. You captured the camping experience. I could visually see, smell, and feel the part where the girls went horseback riding!

Connie Carpenter, 3rd grade teacher, Library Committee Chairperson, Charnock Road School, Los Angeles, CA

I felt truly excited about sharing "Portia's Incredible Journey" with my third grade class. Because of the characters' realistic dialogue and Mrs. Price's enticing storyline, they couldn't wait to see what happened next. We are all looking forward to Portia's next journey!