The Barnyard Kids

This book addresses two subjects bullying and mistreatment in foster homes. The McQueen family has to temporarily move with their grandparents in another state, because their sister was badly injured in a car accident on the way home from a trip. The story takes place in a small community in the state of Kentucky. While there on the farm, they meet some very interesting characters. There they befriend Jasper. Their friendship is more adhesive than barnacles stuck to the bottom of a ship. Jasper is a loner; he's bullied by the children in his school because of a stigmatism. He's also abused my his foster dad, who took him in just for the money.

Joyce was born in 1953 in Birmingham, Alabama, and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. She credits her mother and is grateful for a strong and loving parent who instilled in her the value of hard work and honesty. As the ninth child in a family of ten, Joyce found joy in the simple things in life, as her family had few resources. "The Barnyard Kids" reflects their lives after leaving Birmingham and moving to Ohio. They were the new kids in town with limited resources and had to rely on each other to survive the bullies in their new environment. What they lacked in resources, they made up for with an abundance of love, which was their greatest asset.

After graduating high school, Joyce attended the University of Findlay (then known as Findlay College) from 1971 to 1975. Findlay is a Christian liberal arts institution known for cultivating innovative thinkers through a dedication to experiential learning, both in and outside the classroom. She pursued a psychology degree to better understand the correlation between the mind and behavior, as well as how motivations influence human actions.

Upon graduation, Joyce began a thirty-six-year career with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, working in multiple programs such as mental health, public and environmental health, and eventually public administration. During this time, she recognized the need for additional training and entered a master's program in Health Services Administration at Central Michigan University.

Throughout her journey, Joyce has learned the importance of growth, resilience, and empathy. Most notably, she studied and became a baptized follower of Jehovah God. This path has brought her more joy and purpose than any training course she has taken, and she hopes it can inspire others as well.

Joyce is excited to continue serving Jehovah and sharing the good news of His kingdom with all those searching for a better life. Her participation in "The Barnyard Kids" is an exceptional opportunity to connect with children who deal with negativity today. This book serves as a reminder that the creator of the heavens and earth truly cares about each of us!
Dawn is a fine artist who received her formal training at the Cleveland Institute of Art. From an early age, she demonstrated an affinity for art, and her artistic expression was encouraged by her parents who themselves possessed artistic talents.

Throughout her career, Dawn has worked as a graphic and a visual artist in both the public and private sector and has collaborated with other artists on numerous projects. She currently teaches painting and ceramics and counts it as a blessing to be able to make a living doing something she loves and helping others to discover their own creative abilities.

Though having a fulfilling career as an artist, Dawn's greatest joy comes from teaching people about the Bible and seeing their faces light up as they learn about its Author and the wonderful future he holds out to us.

Dawn is honored to have a part in helping to bring "The Barnyard Kids" to life. This book is a testament to the power of love and the true meaning of family.