Jenny Pearson

The development community seems constantly and restlessly in search of a singular approach that will solve poverty, unveiling new buzzwords every few years only to toss them aside. Author Jenny Pearson argues that the fundamental flaw with this system is that each new approach fails to break out of the underlying technocratic and specialized paradigm in development work. As Director of Cambodias leading capacity-building NGO, VBNK, Pearson explains how creative risks and an innovative spirit can revive development work, especially in post-conflict settings. Creative Capacity Developmentprovides an unflinching appraisal of the authors own assumptions and setbacks as she established VBNK and explains how a dynamic and open learning process allowed the organization to move beyond them. Pearsons account, drawn with insights from cultural studies, mental health practice, and the arts, will guide other practitioners in broadening their own understanding of capacity-building. The book reveals that development work, far from requiring a singular solution, is and should be a never-ending process. The development community seems constantly and restlessly in search of a singular approach that will "solve" poverty, unveiling new buzzwords every few years only to toss them aside. Author Jenny Pearson argues that the fundamental flaw with this system is that each new approach fails to break out of the underlying technocratic and specialized paradigm in development work. As Director of Cambodia's leading capacity-building NGO, VBNK, Pearson explains how creative risks and an innovative spirit can revive development work, especially in post-conflict situations.… (más)

I loved this book! Specifically, I enjoyed the relationship between Grams and Freddie and felt for him when she passed away. Mom passed away years ago, so dad and Grams was all that was left of family for Freddie. Freddie is trying to occupy his mind and begin searching online. He finds a fact about mothers that he did not know previously: "Babies' DNA has been found knitted into their mother's brain, bone, and heart tissue" (p.18). This fact only makes Freddie feel worse about losing mom and Grams, especially when he finds out who his real dad is... Freddie needs to find him! He knows his biological father is only his father through DNA, but he needs to know him.

Freddie and his friends decide to sneak out on this awesome adventure to find his dad in Wales. The boys have a wonderful time and I loved the way Pearson wrote of the boys' hijinks along the way! So entertaining and will be awesome for middle graders! The ending was quite wonderful and not exactly expected! You must read to see what happens!!

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Enjoy!… (más)