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Looked After

The moving, inspiring true story of growing up in the British care system

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Looked After

By: Ashley John-Baptiste
Narrated by: Ashley John-Baptiste
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'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, bestselling author of Make Me Well

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

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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!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐©2024 Ashley John-Baptiste Activists Educators Parenting & Families Politics & Activism Professionals & Academics Relationships Funny Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking
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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
Well done Ashley for speaking up on behalf of all those children growing up without parents and who feel unheard, unseen and unloved. Thank you.

a very brave, vulnerable and honest insight into growing up in the care system.

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As a child from LAC too, your book was such a sweet heartfelt and tearful listen. I could hear my own history in your words and the longing us foster and care system carry, and longing for a family with a sense of connection, we always miss out on ... so glad to read this amazing book, a MUST for mental health, counsellors and social workers, and as a counsellor who also works with adults from foster/adoption and LAC, also from personal experience too, I get it. Thank you Ashley for sharing you and your vunrability, raising awareness is so needed, and still so misunderstood.

Heart felt, Heart warming - and so true

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I have read many books on this subject, I have worked as admin in children's services for 26yrs as it's close to my own reality as a child and never have I read a real life reality with true feelings exposed as Ashley has been able to share. It has changed my perspective. Anyone , parents, Foster and Kinship carers and all professionals involved in the lives of children need to listen to the reality as felt by the child. I promise you will change what you practice no matter what role you play in a child's life

Everyone involved/caring for a child needs to read this

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A real insight into the harsh reality and challenges facing looked after children. As a care experienced person I'm very greatful for Ashley sharing his story, shining a light on this often forgotten subject. Well Done Ashley! ✨️

Raw emotion and honestly

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A very well written and powerful read. Anyone working with young people should read this urgently.

A must-read

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