Lemont Native Publishes Children's Book

LEMONT, IL — Lemont native Becky Cortesi-Caruso recently published her first children's book, sharing the story of her adopted daughter. "Chasing Charleigh: An Adoption Story Filled With Hope And Love" was written by Cortesi-Caruso and illustrated by Amanda Harrison.

The book is told through the eyes of Cortesi-Caruso's daughter, Charleigh, and Cortesi-Caruso said the writing is based on conversations she's had with Charleigh.

Cortesi-Caruso said she wrote the idea of the book "within minutes." The book is written in a Q&A-type style, and illustrations are also taken from real moments in Charleigh's life.

The book details the differences between closed and open adoptions, interracial adoption and how Charleigh feels about looking different than her adoptive family. Cortesi-Caruso and her family have an open adoption with Charleigh's birth mother, Lisa, to whom the book is dedicated.

Harvey's Tales, a book shop in Geneva, will host a book signing with Cortesi-Caruso from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 23 There will also be a reading of the book at the store, 216 James St., Geneva.

The book was published Oct. 9 by Marcinson Press in Florida and you can buy it now on Amazon.