The Courage Tree

by Diane Chamberlain

Eight year old Sophie has a serious kidney disease. She has had to have dialysis and treatments every day for five years. She hasn't been able to go to school, to sleep overs, or to enjoy the activities that other kids get too. Until now, when her mother puts her into an experimental treatment program (using herbal supplements) that seems to be working. So even though Sophie's dad and grandparents object strongly to the treatment and feel that by trying it Sophie is being cheated from medical interventions that could prolong her life, Sophie's mom decides to continue the treatment. Sophie feels better too, so when she begs to go on an overnight camp out with her girl scout troop, Sophie's mom gives in. However, when it is time to pick Sophie up, she is not with the other girls. This leads to a huge manhunt for Sophie who must be found for her treatments before her kidneys fail her.

Sophie has found a cabin deep in the woods where she is lost. A woman is there who has left her life and identify to free her daughter from prison, who she feels was convicted unfairly. She does not want to help a little girl because by doing so she'll put her own daughter in jeopardy. Only one daughter can have a happy ending.

Quote I liked:

"Today she's alive. Today she's having a good time. When all you can focus on is what the future holds, you lose today, for both yourself and Sophie. If your life is tied up in worrying about the future, you never enjoy what is possible right now."

(I need to remember this and stop worrying about the people in my town who gossip and cause me difficulties. I need to stop letting them steal my todays!"