Overview

'Stella is just like a tiny bird. This is my first impression of her. A quiet little sparrow of a girl.' In her brand-new series 'Thrown Away Children', Louise Allen shares the harrowing stories she is exposed to as a foster mother. The first in the series, Stella's Story, tells the astonishing true story of a young girl scarred by an abusive past. Named after the lager that christened her at birth, Stella's life is characterised instability and neglect. Her teenage mother abandons her in the first few weeks of her life, and left in the 'care' of her father, she ends up lying deserted in a house with no food, no water, no clothes, and no warmth. She eventually lands in the care of foster carer Louise, who is determined to change her life for the better. Things seem to be going well - but when Stella has a startling response to having her photo taken, it becomes clear the scars of her abuse run deeper than anyone could have ever guessed.

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9781912624881

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I am a foster carer, author and artist. I live in the South West of England, not far from the sea with my husband, two stepdaughters, two birth sons and long-term and short-term foster children. I grew up in Oxford, and as child I was fostered then adopted into a family that should never have been allowed to foster or adopt children. It's a complicated and emotional story that became my first best-selling book Thrown Away Child. I have always made art: as a child it was my sanctuary and I went on to teach art and fashion in a university for over 20 years. I now spend any spare time painting and illustrating. When I became a foster carer I was full of hope - but within weeks I discovered a broken system that is meant to be looking after our most vulnerable children. I write about this. I met children whose needs were off the scale but those same needs are becoming commonplace. I write about them. I am involved with organisations and individuals who either grew up in care or work for the improvement of the care system. I write my books for the children and adults who have experienced abuse - sadly we are no small minority. I tell their stories to help others understand. I hope you enjoy them. For more information about my books and art please visit my website: www.louise-allen.com

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