5 Stars, Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Editorial Reviewer, Readers Favorite LLC
There is a special, unique bond that exists between a father and his daughter. It's not quite the same as between a father and son, because daughters look up to their fathers in a different way; they see them as superheroes, someone who will be there when needed and will fix things that need fixing. In a series of letters to his daughter, author Dedrick L Moone expresses his love for her in many different ways. He outlines his initial love, before she was even born, in the delivery room, when she first comes home, and the heartbreak when he and his wife separate and she takes his daughter far away. The letters continue and the bond strengthens. Dedrick finally obtains custody and becomes an exceptional single Dad as the father-daughter bond deepens. It's amazing what can be expressed in a simple letter to someone you love.
Dedrick L Moone's book, Dear Daughter: A Love Story, is a collection of letters, telling a story of a special bond between himself and his daughter. The plot unravels through a succession of poignant letters, written with care and compassion. Each letter begins with the appropriate salutation, "Dear Daughter." And each letter reveals something special about their growing bond. The language is simple so young readers can follow along and the illustrations are bright and colorful and speak volumes about the compassion and love that exists between father and daughter. Like Robert Munsch's Love You Forever, a similar story that follows the growing bond between a mother and her son, this story (in letters) is a gentle affirmation of the love between two special people. Have the tissues handy as, like Munsch's story, there will be tears to shed as you read this compelling story of parental love.
5 Stars, Karen Almeida, Assistant Editor, Literary Titan
Dear Daughter, by Dedrick L. Moone, is a poignant personal story of the author's relationship with his young daughter. This beautifully constructed children's book/memoir details every joy Moone experienced from finding out he would soon be a father to winning a hard-fought custody battle which allowed him to give Haelee the life she so wanted. In addition, Moone includes each of the challenges he and his daughter faced. He sugarcoats nothing, and his honesty is appreciated. Moone's work will touch the lives of more families than he will ever realize.
Moone grew up without a father and was determined to not fall into the stereotype of an absentee father that plagues the African American culture when it comes to divorce. His goal was to be present for all the important moments in his daughter's life and this collection of letters shows that devotion. The letters are not all joyful and positive memories, instead, they show the real challenges he faced including going to jail. The darker memories are still told in an age-appropriate way that is not scary for children, rather factual and honest.
Dear Daughter: A Love Story, will show readers the intense love and admiration Moone feels for his daughter. It can be felt on every page of this heartwarming account of their lives. This heartwarming picture book is highly recommended to any parent who has faced overwhelming challenges in raising their children. Moone and his daughter give readers something that is difficult to find in today's world-they give us hope.
