46 NOVEMBER 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Real Stories from Real Diplomats—Experiences of Women Serving at U.S. Embassies Around the World Alicia Ford, independently published, 2023, $19.99/paperback, e-book available, 139 pages. is thoughtfully curated debut anthology aimed at young adult readers o ers honest, rsthand accounts from female Foreign Service o cers around the world. ose featured are rst-generation Americans, ambassadors, dual citizens, public service award winners, naturalized Americans, non-native English speakers, and former military personnel. ey discuss topics such as racism, sexism, imposter syndrome, mental health management, LGBTQ+ issues, long-distance relationships, and motherhood. Read about their experiences with coups, terrorism, interactions with global leaders, living and working in danger posts, helping U.S. citizens overseas, working with refugees, human tra cking, and more. is book also serves as an inspirational career guide and a call to join a public service community. It includes a glossary and tips for how to become a U.S. diplomat. FSO Alicia Ford is currently the American Citizen Services chief in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The Abled Little Elephant SarahJean Harrison, independently published, 2024, $24.99/hardcover, e-book available, 57 pages. e Abled Little Elephant tells the story of Esinka, a young elephant who loses his trunk in an accident. Despite feeling di erent and unsure of himself, Esinka discovers through teamwork, creative problem-solving, and self-belief that his true strength lies not in his trunk but in his heart and spirit. His story reminds readers that everyone has unique abilities and that challenges can be overcome with dedication and the help of a caring community. SarahJean Harrison joined USAID in 2010 and became a Foreign Service o cer in 2013. She has served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Kenya, Israel, and Washington, D.C. Harrison is currently studying Spanish in preparation for her next assignment in Peru. Ashley Wants a Pet Jestina Hodge-Pais, independently published, 2023, $12.99/ paperback, 27 pages. is heartwarming children’s book explores the essence of pet ownership—how it involves not only the joy of companionship but also the commitment to love and care for an animal for a lifetime. Author Jestina Hodge-Pais hopes Ashley’s story will inspire Foreign Service family discussions about owning and caring for a pet. Jestina Hodge-Pais joined the Foreign Service in 2000 as a human resources specialist and has served in Manila, Lagos, Brasília, Beijing, Kabul, Maputo, Kinshasa, and Washington, D.C. She is currently assigned to Islamabad. Hodge-Pais is also the author of A Chance to Love. Christopher & Caroline in India Joanne Grady Huskey, Xlibris US, 2023, $14.99/paperback, e-book available, 36 pages. Joanne Grady Huskey wrote this children’s book about her own children, Foreign Service kids Christopher and Caroline, whom she calls “world citizens who love to learn about new cultures.” e book tells the story of Christopher and Caroline’s early childhood in India—FSO dad James L. Huskey was assigned to Chennai from 1993 to 1996. By sharing the magic and richness of the Indian culture and people, the author hopes she can inspire children to learn more about faraway places and cultures di erent from their own. Joanne Grady Huskey is an author, crosscultural trainer, and public speaker. She and her family were posted in Beijing, Chennai, Nairobi, and Taipei. Huskey now serves on the board of Championwoman, a program to empower Indian women. Her previous books include e Uno cial Diplomat: A Memoir; Make It in India; Growing Up Grady; and iCAN: A Young Woman’s Guide to Taking the Lead. Another children’s book, Christopher in China, was published in July 2024.
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