Looked After

‘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. Its a rare insight into the experience of a the care system in such depth from someone whose lived it. 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