The Books

You Determine
How Far You Go

From a memoir for adults to a children's book for the youngest hearts — Tihesha's words meet every reader exactly where they are.

A Journey to Courage: Foster to Fortune book cover

Memoir

A Journey to Courage

Foster to Fortune™

A Story and Workbook for Children in Foster Care. Follow Maya's journey as she learns to navigate change, discover her strengths, and find hope through life's challenges.

For every child who was told they didn't matter, and every adult still carrying that child inside them — this book is proof that your beginning does not determine your ending.

PaperbackeBookAvailable Now

An Excerpt

Chapter One

They told me I was a number in a file. Case #4471. A placement. A temporary arrangement. But I was a child with a name, a heartbeat, and a dream so stubborn it refused to die no matter how many times the world tried to bury it. I carried that dream through every strange bedroom, every new school, every goodbye that came without warning — and I am still carrying it today.

Children's Book · Ages 4–12

My Backpack
of Courage

Includes a Companion Workbook

My debut children's book, My Backpack of Courage, was written from the heart to provide children with the encouragement I wish I had during my own foster care journey. It serves as a reminder that courage, strength, hope, and healing can travel with them wherever they go.

Through a heartwarming story, children learn that even during difficult times, they are loved, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles. The book provides a message of hope, belonging, and self-worth while helping children build confidence in their own unique journey. It features full-color illustrations for every story page, printable coloring pages, trauma-informed coping activities, foster-care resource pages for caregivers, and a companion facilitator guide designed for counselors and social workers.

"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."

— Psalm 27:10

Those words reminded me that even in my darkest moments, I was never alone. Today, I share my story to help others discover theirs.

Perfect For

  • Foster Youth
  • Adoptive Families
  • Kinship Caregivers
  • Schools and Classrooms
  • Social Workers
  • Counselors and Therapists
  • Faith-Based Organizations
  • Youth Mentoring Programs
IllustratedAges 4–10Paperback
My Backpack of Courage book cover

Get Your Copy

Order Today

Memoir

A Journey to Courage

Foster to Fortune™

Children's Book · Ages 4–10

My Backpack of Courage

Includes a Companion Workbook

Bundle Option

Book + Workbook Bundle

The complete courage-building toolkit for children, families, counselors, and foster care professionals.

Order Bundle

Interested in bulk orders for schools, organizations, or events? Contact Tihesha directly for bulk pricing and signed copies.

Reader Stories

Lives Touched

"Tihesha's story shattered every excuse I had. If she could rise from that, I have no reason to stay where I am."

Monique T.

Foster Care Alumni

"This book is a lifeline. Every child in the system needs to read these words and know they are not forgotten."

Dr. Renee W.

Social Worker & Advocate

"Raw, real, and redemptive. A Journey to Courage changed the way I see my own past."

James A.

Reader

Bring These Stories
to Your Community

Tihesha is available for school visits, workshops, and speaking engagements centered around her books and advocacy work.

Tihesha Horton

"When my father and my mother forsake me,
then the Lord will take me up."

— Psalm 27:10

Connect

Booking inquiries, media requests, and reader messages welcome.

Get in Touch

© 2026 Tihesha Horton. All rights reserved.

"Your story isn't over yet."