Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Everything about this story is remarkable -- the author, as a person, the family that adopted her eventually, and some of the people who made the adoption possible. Unfortunately, the book is also full of people who let children down in the most basic ways and some who harmed them. It's a great story because of the attitude of the author, despite her experiences in Florida's foster care system. Thank goodness a super special family found Ashley and then gave unselfishly of themselves and show more their time to give one child a chance to fly, and oh did this one fly. Now Ashley does remarkable things to help other children. I hope other caring people will be moved to adopt or help make positive changes in the system.

Ashley's story isn't simple, nor did she tell it in a simple way. There are so many facets and nuances to this story. For a young person we can all be proud of, Ashley's talents and insights shine through, and the goodness inside her is apparent. She's also totally honest in this recounting, something that will endear readers to her. These are real people making the world a better place and the book should be shared.

I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways along with Ashley's new book, "Three More Words", which I can't wait to finish. show less

*possible spoilers*

First, I need to clarify my rating. I gave this book 5 stars because it is one of the best, most powerful autobiographies about foster care that I have ever read. Ashley was a VERY brave child and IS a very brave woman, and this book is most likely going to be one of those influential books that help people take notice and realize what is right in front of them.

Which brings me to my next point: The fact that, while reading this book, I threw it down no less then eight show more different times. Not because of the text itself, but because of the actions of the people who were supposed to love and protect an innocent little girl. It INFURIATES me that foster parents, social workers, lawyers, people who are supposed to have the child's best interests at heart, people who get *paid* to help the child, instead hurt children beyond belief, and/or turn a blind eye when others do. It hurts, it really hurts, to know that there are people out there like that. show less

This memoir is especially useful for children learning to self advocate or working their way through tumultuous home lives. Courter spent 12 years in foster care moving through numerous caregivers. She spent years literally lost in the system without an advocate. She lived with abusive parents, neglectful parents, and in modern-day equivalents of the dickensian orphanage. Even so, her narrative does not dwell in self-pity. Ashley story shines a light on lost children and a hidden system and, show more at the same time, graciously acknowledges those who've worked behind the scenes on her behalf.

While Ashley's story has a happy ending, it is not a fairytale. Her purpose is not simply a good story well told. This book is meant to raise awareness among those inexperienced with our modern foster care system and to act as a lifeline for those who know it too well. show less

This incredibly emotional memoir was tough to read, but also very inspiring. Ashley Rhodes-Courter relates her life story as a child in the foster care system. I have not had a very good perception of our current system for handling the needs of children who are failed by their biological parents, and this book sadly reinforced my views. However, the strength of Rhodes-Courter really comes through as well and saves the story from just being completely dark and depressing.

An extraordinary show more tale that makes me want to become a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate . . .somehow, we, as a society, need to do better for these innocent children who are blameless and yet suffering for the faults of others.

Finished this one in a day because I couldn't stop reading it . . . show less