AVA'S DREAM
In Ava’s Dream, young Ava Isabella wakes from a dream with an urgent sense of purpose. When her blind friend Sofia Jo and her guide dog, Sadie, are banned from the town’s new park, Ava is determined to challenge the unfair rule. Guided by her wise grandfather, she begins a journey through civics and the importance of standing up for others.
As Ava learns about laws, rights, and justice, she discovers the power of compassion and perseverance. This heartfelt story of friendship and courage reminds readers of all ages that a single voice, filled with kindness and determination, can bring about meaningful change.
About Author
Joseph J. Ridgway
Joseph J. Ridgway is a New Jersey attorney who has practiced law for over forty-five years. He is a graduate of Seton Hall University, where he majored in psychology. He is also a graduate of Rutgers School of Law (JD) and Temple University School of Law (LLM in Taxation). Over the course of his legal and academic career as an adjunct instructor, Ridgway has taught American history, business law, and criminal law at various New Jersey and Pennsylvania colleges and universities.
In addition to writing children’s literature historical fiction, Ridgway is an award-winning poet, being consistently nominated for numerous prestigious Pushcart Prizes for his stellar poetry. Further, the author is an accomplished essayist, with his writings appearing in a variety of nationwide publications.
Ridgway lives in Marlton, New Jersey with his wife Diane and their rescue dog Sadie.
introduction to ava's dream
Ava’s summer vacation began with anticipation and excitement as she awaited the opening of her town’s Grand Park. She never envisioned by seeking fairness and equity for a friend with the guidance from her tenacious grandfather, this summer would evolve into a journey of learning, hope, and life-long appreciation for her country. Will Ava at last understand the reason why her father gave his life in its service?
Ava's Dream travels beyond the unbelievable and well-known tale of our Founding Fathers who risked their careers, their families, and their own lives to start a new country by revolting against the awesome power of Great Britain and its ruler, King George III. We all know our revolution was successful; what followed, however, truly was the most incredible part.
Caveat
Although “AVA’S DREAM” was written for and directed toward middle grade readers, persons of all ages may discover a bit of hidden treasure, as well as a fun refresher of basic civics presented in a diverse way. It is a relatively short read and hopefully presents a promising future in our form of government, not only for our children and grandchildren, but for the rest of us as well. Please note that this book was not written from any specific political position, but rather in a bipartisan fashion to illustrate the beauty of our Constitution and the spirit in which the three branches of government were created.
Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome.
Readers' Favorite announces the review of the Children - Grade 4th-6th book
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Reviewed by Trisha Dawn for Readers' Favorite
Joseph J. Ridgway's Ava's Dream is a story about Ava's journey in learning about the three branches of the government during her summer vacation. A new park had opened up in their town and Ava was more than excited to step through its large silver gates and explore it. One day, Ava notices her friend, Sofia Jo, outside the
park with her dad. Sofia Jo is blind so she is always accompanied by her seeing dog, Sadie. Ava is thrilled to see them and immediately approaches her friend and invites her to play inside the park...
"NO DOGS ALLOWED IN THE PARK". Ava feels sad for her friend and wants to help her.
She asks advice from her lawyer grandfather who is used to helping
people solve their problems with the law. Will Ava and her grandfather be able to help Sofia Jo and other people with service
dogs enter and experience the fun that they are missing in the park?
Ava's Dream by Joseph J. Ridgway is an educational children's book full of valuable lessons relating to the law. The story shows that with hard work and perseverance, you will get the results you deserve. Ridgway gives us an interesting and simplified interpretation of the three branches of the government, making it easier to understand and remember. It also clearly explains the purpose of these three branches of government. The story is a great representation of the information Ridgway wishes to impart. The characters were sympathetic and kind and taught me many lessons - one is that there are laws written for good reasons but sometimes those reasons aren't enough to keep certain laws from being unfair to others. It taught me that although laws are made with the benefit of everyone in mind, in the end, it doesn't always benefit 'everyone'. Another thing I was impressed with was Ava's determination to help her friend. Her kind personality and perseverance for someone else's sake really stood out to me. The ending is truly satisfying after Ava and her grandfather's long and hard journey. Overall, the story is brilliant and well-written; great work!
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
Like any other child of her age, Ava loves spending time in the park. That her friend Sofia Jo is unable to accompany her there saddens her. Sofia, being blind, is dependent on her seeing-eye dog, Sadie. However, the rules prohibit all kinds of dogs from entering the park, thus excluding Sofia. Ava sets out to resolve this unfair rule with some assistance from her grandfather. When everyone starting from the policeman patrolling the park to the mayor of the tow1..