CSM Alum, Author to Discuss Books that Help Children Understand Difficult Situations

OMAHA, Neb. – Fallon MacNeil’s daughter, Alajiah, found a love of reading at a young age. But when the St. Louis mother and educator tried to find a book to help explain to her daughter why her father, who was incarcerated, wasn’t around, she couldn’t find one. “There was nothing out there, especially nothing that she could relate to, so I decided to create a book – so she would be able to understand the situation,” MacNeil said.

MacNeil, a 2013 College of Saint Mary graduate, wrote “The Missing Puzzle Piece” to show children that despite having a parent in prison, they still have a support system and a family. MacNeil will talk about the book and a second book, “The Broken Glass,” which focuses on helping children cope with family dynamics when their families don’t follow traditional norms, during a discussion at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Gross Auditorium on the CSM campus. A book signing will start at 5 p.m.

MacNeil was part of CSM’s Mothers Living & Learning program, which offers on-campus housing for single mothers. Her daughter was three years old at the time. “I want to give hope. I know it’s rough, especially raising your children and going to school at the same time. But the fact that you took that leap to go to school and earn your degree, that says something big about yourself,” she said. “I would love to share my story, give advice and be a vessel for anybody that would need that.”

MacNeil’s books, “The Missing Puzzle Piece” and “The Broken Glass,” are available on Amazon.com, Walmart.com and BarnesandNoble.com. To register for the event, visit CSM.edu/Book.