Looked After

<p><h3> <b>'This is a book that everyone must read.</b> 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. <b>This story is more urgent and relevant now than ever.'</b> - XAND VAN TULLEKEN </h3><br><br>WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:<br><br>'What a powerful read, there are no words really to describe the impact it has had on me.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ <br>'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.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ <br>'I fully recommend this book to everyone who works with children, to inform and guide their work.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ <br>'I devoured this book in a few days. Ashley's story is honest and brave. A must read for everyone.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ <br>'What an incredible book. It had me laughing, crying, dreaming about it . . . A true gift. Everyone should read it!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ <br><br>-------<br><br>Ashley John-Baptiste grew up in the British care system, living with five different families, without ever being truly part of a family.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br><i>Looked After</i> 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.<br><br>---------<br><br><b>'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<br><br>'Ashley John-Baptiste joins a high class of writing by upstanding respectful and honourable citizens and professionals, professors and actors, lawyers, doctors, artists and authors, all who happen to have had a life in care. We have every right to tell our story as much as anyone else. Welcome, Ashley.' - LEMN SISSAY<br><br>'An inspiring story of triumph over adversity.' - FATIMA WHITBREAD<br><br>'Ashley has done the country a great service in shining a light on the inhumane - and at times brutal - way that society supports this most vulnerable group of children. Every politician should read this book and commit to fixing the system.' - SHARON WHITE<br><br>'Beautifully written, with such immediacy, clarity and warmth.' - EAMON McCRORY, Professor of Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology at UCL </b></p>