The book, TENDER OF THE STRINGS, is a mystery and adventure story about DJ (Dora Jane), an eleven-year-old girl, who discovers a homeless puppet hidden in an old shopping cart in a restaurant. The ragged puppet draws compassion from all who view her. And the shopping cart holding her expresses its own agony about abuse and homelessness through anthropomorphic voice. You can almost hear its words.
DJ loves the puppet and calls her Nefe. Immediately, DJ takes ownership of Nefe with the cart and is determined to find her a good home.
But challenges of Nefe’s ownership arise from different people. One challenge from a most underrepresented group in our society comes from a homeless street lady who wants Nefe for companionship.
DJ relentlessly fights all challenges as she manages to keep Nefe but gives up the cart.
Then, on a dark night, the puppet she loves mysteriously disappears. All communication with Nefe is lost. DJ cries. Quivering, DJ asks, “Will I ever see Nefe again?”.
Grief stricken she turns to police. Using their newest technical investigative tools, and DJ’s intelligence and ingenuity, they develop an intricate plan to search and try to find Nefe. Will it work?