Looked After: A moving, honest memoir about growing up in the British care system

Description

”This is a book that everyone must read. It”s funny, moving and of course it”s often sad. But mainly it”s a beautiful and fascinating and enlightening portrait of the care system, a world that is barely understood by many of us. It is also a proper page turner: the twists and turns and set-backs of his childhood are as gripping as they are shocking. I genuinely couldn”t put it down. This story is more urgent and relevant now than ever.” – XAND VAN TULLEKEN

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

”What a powerful read, there are no words really to describe the impact it has had on me.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”I couldn”t put this down and read it in two days. This book should be a staple read in every teacher training course and for every policy maker who wishes to shape a fairer, more equitable society.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”I fully recommend this book to everyone who works with children, to inform and guide their work.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”I devoured this book in a few days. Ashley”s story is honest and brave. A must read for everyone.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
”What an incredible book. It had me laughing, crying, dreaming about it . . . A true gift. Everyone should read it!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Ashley John-Baptiste grew up in the British care system, living with five different families, without ever being truly part of a family.

It wasn”t easy, or straightforward, and Ashley”s ever-changing living situation affected every single part of his life – from his education to his sense of identity to his friendships and his hobbies. And yet, throughout everything his childhood in care threw at him, Ashley remained resilient and found a way to take advantage of the opportunities that came his way.

Now Ashley feels able to tell us – vividly and movingly – how, when it felt like the world was turning its back on him, he refused to be an outsider in his own home and set about establishing a new and positive life for himself.

Looked After is a memoir written from the heart that pulls no punches but demonstrates that given encouragement and love – and, sometimes, a second chance – a care-experienced boy can become a successful broadcaster, a loving husband and a proud father.

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”Rage-inducing from start to finish. It is such a powerful story, but it”s also a rallying cry for change. It will mean so much to lots of kids out there and should be read by every social worked in the land.” – WES STREETING

”Beautifully written, with such immediacy, clarity and warmth.” – EAMON McCRORY, Professor of Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology at UCL