Summaries of books about Special Needs Children:
Cruel to Be Kind
Saying no can save a child’s life
Cathy Glass
The book recounts the true story of a foster carer who intervenes in the life of a child with a troubled background, emphasizing the importance of tough love and setting boundaries. It explores the challenges and rewards of fostering, and how saying 'no' can sometimes be the kindest act to help a child heal and thrive.
See full summary
The Child Bride
Cathy Glass
The book narrates the true story of a young girl named Zeena who, at the age of thirteen, is forced into marriage by her parents. It details her harrowing journey as she seeks help from the author, a foster carer, to escape the abuse and forge a new life for herself.
See full summary
Mummy Told Me Not to Tell
The true story of a troubled boy with a dark secret
Cathy Glass
The book recounts the harrowing experiences of a seven-year-old boy named Reece who enters foster care due to his family's inability to cope with his behavioral issues. As his foster carer delves into his past, she uncovers a history of abuse and neglect that has left deep emotional scars, which she works to heal.
See full summary
At Risk
An innocent boy. A sinister secret. Is there no one to save him from danger?
Casey Watson
The book chronicles the story of a young boy named Justin, who is placed into foster care with the experienced carer Casey Watson due to his mother's illness. As Casey delves into Justin's background and behavior, she uncovers a disturbing history of neglect and abuse, and she becomes determined to help him find safety and healing.
See full summary
Saving Danny
Part 3 of 3
Cathy Glass
The book concludes the story of a young boy named Danny, who has been through a traumatic past and is in the care of his foster mother. It details the challenges and breakthroughs in his journey towards healing and the efforts to secure him a safe and permanent home.
See full summary
Far From the Tree
Parents, Children and the Search for Identity
Andrew Solomon
The book explores the complex relationships between parents and their children who have markedly different identities, delving into cases of children with conditions such as deafness, dwarfism, Down syndrome, autism, and schizophrenia. It examines the challenges of accepting these differences and the profound meanings of vertical (genetic) versus horizontal (cultural) identities in family dynamics.
See full summary
The Highly Sensitive Child
Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them
Elaine N. Aron
The book provides insight into the trait of high sensitivity in children, offering guidance on how to understand and nurture a child who is easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. It includes practical advice for parents and educators on how to support sensitive children in coping with challenges and harnessing their unique gifts.
See full summary
The A-Z of Therapeutic Parenting
Strategies and Solutions
Sarah Naish
The book provides a comprehensive guide to therapeutic parenting, offering practical strategies and solutions for addressing a wide range of behavioral issues in children who have experienced trauma or have attachment difficulties. It covers topics from aggression to self-esteem, presenting an alphabetical list of common challenges along with evidence-based techniques to help parents and caregivers effectively support and connect with their children.
See full summary
Scarlett’s Secret
A real-life short story by Casey Watson
Casey Watson
The book recounts the true story of a troubled 12-year-old girl named Scarlett, who is taken in by the author, a specialist foster carer, after a shocking incident at her previous foster placement. Through patience and care, the author uncovers the dark and traumatic events that have shaped Scarlett's behavior, leading to a journey of healing and recovery for the young girl.
See full summary
A Boy Without Hope
Casey Watson
The book recounts the harrowing story of a troubled 11-year-old boy named Harley, who has been through multiple foster homes and exhibits extremely challenging behavior. It delves into the author's experiences as a specialist foster carer trying to reach out and provide stability to the boy, despite the dark and traumatic past that shapes his actions.
See full summary