Freeing Teresa

When an idealistic activist objects to her siblings' plan to ship their disabled sister off to a nursing home, she's forced to choose between family and her sister's freedom.

TRIGGER WARNING: This true story deals with dysfunctional family relationships and ableist attitudes, which some readers may find upsetting.

"The result is more than a memoir: it's a testimony to how 'tickets to freedom' are gained through fighting and love."

D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

A true story about disability, sisters, and standing up for the right to be yourself.

Franke James is an environmental activist who got into trouble in her own backyard-family trouble. She objected when she heard her siblings' plan to put their disabled sister, Teresa Heartchild, into a nursing home. Teresa, who has Down syndrome, refused to go. But the other siblings insisted and secretly put Teresa into an institution for end-of-life care.

Teresa was in shock. Franke was horrified and organized a rescue. That's when all hell broke loose. The two sisters had to stand together-against their siblings, the medical system, and the police-to defend Teresa's right to be free.

This is a true story about a key civil rights issue for all people with disabilities-the right to decide where you live.

THIRTY-THREE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS, Including:

NYC Big Book Award, 2024
Winner, Social/Political ChangeWinner, Audiobook Nonfiction
IAN Book of the Year Awards (2024)
Nonfiction: "Outstanding True Story," Book of the Year
eLit Awards(2024)
Audiobook, Autobiography/Biography, Silver
Literary Titan (Q4 2024)
Nonfiction, Gold
BookFest Awards, Fall 2024
Three Silver Winners, including Memoir, Personal Nonfiction
Human Relations Indie Book Award Winner, 2024
Gold Award, Family ChallengesGold Award, Special Needs (Disability Rights)
Firebird Book Awards, Q2, 2024
Judges' Pick1st place, Social/Political Change1st place, Special Needs (Disability Rights)2nd place, Leadership2nd place, Inspiration
Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, Summer 2024
1st Place, Inspiration