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Looked After

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

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About this listen

 '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

'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

'An inspiring story of triumph over adversity.' - FATIMA WHITBREAD

'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

'Beautifully written, with such immediacy, clarity and warmth.' - EAMON McCRORY, Professor of Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology at UCL ©2024 Ashley John-Baptiste Parenting & Families Relationships Funny Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking

Critic reviews

An inspiring story of triumph over adversity.
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.
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.
This is a book that everyone must read. No matter how you grew up it's for you: it'll make you rethink your own childhood and your relationships with everyone you know. 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.
Beautifully written, with such immediacy, clarity and warmth
All stars
Most relevant
A beautifully written account of a childhood in care. Essential reading/listening. I would Highly recommend.

Moving and insightful

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Really well told story of how the UK children care system makes their children feel. Thank you for sharing your truth. I can understand why you ended it where you did, as you had become an adult. However I would have loved this to continue just a little more, the next chapter in your life was probably not a complete Hollywood ending. Thanks again. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.

Fantastic memoir

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A deep dive into the life of a child in care and a reminder that far too many don't feel *really* looked after. I've worked with so many children who respond with OKs and platitudes. I've known full well that there is much more underneath these words and have discussed often with colleagues, carers, clinicians and care experienced young adults. Yet the power of hearing one story told so carefully, emotionally, and showing insight into what was going on under those words hit so hard so many times. Such a strong reminder of the importance of working so so hard to encourage and empower and ensure a sense of being loved and belonging way over and above teaching cooking/ cleaning etc. Thank you so much for sharing, Ashley, it must have taken a lot and it has been an absolute privilege to listen. We all need to honour that in what we do with what we've read/ heard.

Heartbreaking and incredibly hopeful. A must read for all social workers and those who work with children and young people

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A moving and inspirational story which was retold with sensitivity, humour and great insight into a childhood in care. I thoroughly enjoyed listening and love Ashley J B’s relatable and inclusive style of writing and retelling.

Inspirational

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Really engaging, an amazing story of how despite a care system not fit for purpose and young man reached his potential

Amazing story of resilience

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