What do you think?
Rate this book
My Name is Anthony Avalos: Child Abuse True Crime Biography Volume 6
The murder of ten year old Anthony Avalos shocked the USA in 2018. In early 2023, the trial of his mother, Heather Barron, and his stepfather, Kareem Leiva, uncovered the horrific details of Anthony’s final days. Both perpetrators were found guilty of first degree murder, with the special circumstance of torture. Like Gabriel Fernandez five years earlier, pleas for help by concerned family members and teachers were not responded to appropriately by the authorities. As we await the sentencing of Anthony’s murderers, this book tells the story of the bright and courageous little boy who was loved by everyone except those who abused and murdered him.
Whilst based on the facts, the first part of the story is told from Anthony's point of view, with the second part detailing the injuries, trial, etc, and searching for answers. How much more suffering can we allow before we all act together to prevent these deaths?
(Not suitable for children, nor those who find depictions of children's suffering deeply upsetting.)
Whilst based on the facts, the first part of the story is told from Anthony's point of view, with the second part detailing the injuries, trial, etc, and searching for answers. How much more suffering can we allow before we all act together to prevent these deaths?
(Not suitable for children, nor those who find depictions of children's suffering deeply upsetting.)
- GenresTrue Crime
70 pages, ebook
Published April 22, 2023
273 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 27, 2023
Grab some tissues – your heart is about to break.
Jessica Jackson once again brings us a crushing true account of child abuse so cruel, it defies explanation. It resulted in the death of a beautiful young boy whose heart was filled with love for others and for life. His name was Anthony Avalos and once you have read the story of his brief time on earth, you will never forget him. As with all of this author’s books, this story is hard to read but it deserves to be read so that Anthony’s life will not be forgotten. Once again, despite numerous reports and complaints to “authorities”, there was an epic fail on the part of “the system” to protect someone who had no means to protect himself. I will be very interested to see what sentence is handed down in the case against the perpetrators of this horrific tragedy. In the meantime, let’s spread the word about how to help the children like Anthony and so many others that suffer every day. Hold Anthony in your heart always. ❤️
Jessica Jackson once again brings us a crushing true account of child abuse so cruel, it defies explanation. It resulted in the death of a beautiful young boy whose heart was filled with love for others and for life. His name was Anthony Avalos and once you have read the story of his brief time on earth, you will never forget him. As with all of this author’s books, this story is hard to read but it deserves to be read so that Anthony’s life will not be forgotten. Once again, despite numerous reports and complaints to “authorities”, there was an epic fail on the part of “the system” to protect someone who had no means to protect himself. I will be very interested to see what sentence is handed down in the case against the perpetrators of this horrific tragedy. In the meantime, let’s spread the word about how to help the children like Anthony and so many others that suffer every day. Hold Anthony in your heart always. ❤️
April 15, 2024
Heartbreaking.
Another child taken at the hands of then who should love and protect them.
Another child taken at the hands of then who should love and protect them.
April 24, 2023
Abused to Death My name is Antony Avalos is the heart-breaking story of a 10-year-old boy who was murdered by the one person that should have cared and loved him for the beautiful little boy he was his mum. Sadly, his mother Heather Barron abused beat starved and tortured this vulnerable little boy from birth. Barron then meets and moves in a man called Kareem Leiva who was a very sadistic and sick person, and the abuse increases to the point that Barron’s children who are brother and sisters are told to fight each other, and Levia informs the two children that the loser will get more of a beating for losing by Leiva. What sick individuals do this for pleasure and enjoy watching the terror on the sweet innocent faces of each child.
The usual authorities got involved as numerous requests came into police, children and family services and several other departments from concerned family, teachers, police, and many other concerned people who knew this beautiful bright child who loved everyone and tried so hard to protect his siblings from beatings and torture.
Readers will find This book extremely hard to get through, however everyone should read this book as the fact that people can be so cruel to any children that they should love and cherish invokes rage in us all towards these parents and caregivers who neglect and tortured them for their own gratification.
Jessica Jackson has written with such gut-wrenching details. Jessica you are not only an exceptional amazing writer but an inspirational role model to all, that despite everything these precious little children went through they will never be forgotten. Whilst there are Authors like Jessica who can write and share their tragic story’s children like Antony Avalos will never be forgotten. I will never understand why parents inflict such monstrous abuse on children.
I shall remember Antony Avalos after reading this book from Jessica due to her exceptional powerful words when authoring this book. I received an advance review copy for free, as part of the Advanced Book Review Team from the author Jessica Jackson and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The usual authorities got involved as numerous requests came into police, children and family services and several other departments from concerned family, teachers, police, and many other concerned people who knew this beautiful bright child who loved everyone and tried so hard to protect his siblings from beatings and torture.
Readers will find This book extremely hard to get through, however everyone should read this book as the fact that people can be so cruel to any children that they should love and cherish invokes rage in us all towards these parents and caregivers who neglect and tortured them for their own gratification.
Jessica Jackson has written with such gut-wrenching details. Jessica you are not only an exceptional amazing writer but an inspirational role model to all, that despite everything these precious little children went through they will never be forgotten. Whilst there are Authors like Jessica who can write and share their tragic story’s children like Antony Avalos will never be forgotten. I will never understand why parents inflict such monstrous abuse on children.
I shall remember Antony Avalos after reading this book from Jessica due to her exceptional powerful words when authoring this book. I received an advance review copy for free, as part of the Advanced Book Review Team from the author Jessica Jackson and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2024
Lord, Jesus. Anthony carried You with him.
I usually don't read stories about abuse, especially concerning children. I feel that we, as adults, should listen for the cries of help. We teach our children to go to a teacher, a counselor, and even a family member if they don't feel safe or if something is happening to them. Anthony expressed himself countless times. When they would reach out to the police or CPS, or whatever they call themselves, they didn't jump into action to remove these children from that hell hole. Yes, we know, they're backed up. Then, the supervisor's need to get off their assess and help out and hire more people who are qualified in this field to help these babies. I hope those people that didn't "listen" and "forgot" to add their visual sightings to their reports of this poor little soul that day. I hope you all see him every time you close your eyes. He knew he was going to die on that summer vacation, and nobody listened. These monsters, who are supposed to love and protect their babies, were given full reign on these babies. I don't care that she had mental issues. She chose to let that monster in her home with her babies and let him abuse them while watching and doing nothing... The family told them and reported it. These babies were still left in that hell hole. The system failed little Anthony and all the other "Anthony's" out there. RIP LITTLE ANGEL. YOU'RE NO LONGER SUFFERING.
I usually don't read stories about abuse, especially concerning children. I feel that we, as adults, should listen for the cries of help. We teach our children to go to a teacher, a counselor, and even a family member if they don't feel safe or if something is happening to them. Anthony expressed himself countless times. When they would reach out to the police or CPS, or whatever they call themselves, they didn't jump into action to remove these children from that hell hole. Yes, we know, they're backed up. Then, the supervisor's need to get off their assess and help out and hire more people who are qualified in this field to help these babies. I hope those people that didn't "listen" and "forgot" to add their visual sightings to their reports of this poor little soul that day. I hope you all see him every time you close your eyes. He knew he was going to die on that summer vacation, and nobody listened. These monsters, who are supposed to love and protect their babies, were given full reign on these babies. I don't care that she had mental issues. She chose to let that monster in her home with her babies and let him abuse them while watching and doing nothing... The family told them and reported it. These babies were still left in that hell hole. The system failed little Anthony and all the other "Anthony's" out there. RIP LITTLE ANGEL. YOU'RE NO LONGER SUFFERING.
April 24, 2023
City of Angels
Jessica presents yet another horrifying tortuous story about a young boy whom essentially never had a chance. I’m not a resident of CA but when you see all the stuff they do to try to mane the world a better place. Being at the forefront of human rights and openly being a sanctuary city for any non US citizens, it’s hard to understand why children like Anthony lose their lives to this day because the ones tasked with ensuring their safety are there to simply cash a check. It may sound harsh by city politics play a major role in the failure to protect these children. Are they 100% responsible, no. The parent and old world thinking ended his life before it really started. It’s been said that love is what separates us from the animal kingdom. It’s our ability to think and reason that separates us from animals but unfortunately, that can’t be said for all humans as in the case of Anthony’s mother and step father. Knowing the archaic abuse he suffered still takes place in this era and what we would call a first world is very disturbing. The solution here was the rest of his parents lives in prison, but this doesn’t seem to be a deterrent. What will it take for people like his parents to open their eyes and know what they are doing is wrong.
Jessica presents yet another horrifying tortuous story about a young boy whom essentially never had a chance. I’m not a resident of CA but when you see all the stuff they do to try to mane the world a better place. Being at the forefront of human rights and openly being a sanctuary city for any non US citizens, it’s hard to understand why children like Anthony lose their lives to this day because the ones tasked with ensuring their safety are there to simply cash a check. It may sound harsh by city politics play a major role in the failure to protect these children. Are they 100% responsible, no. The parent and old world thinking ended his life before it really started. It’s been said that love is what separates us from the animal kingdom. It’s our ability to think and reason that separates us from animals but unfortunately, that can’t be said for all humans as in the case of Anthony’s mother and step father. Knowing the archaic abuse he suffered still takes place in this era and what we would call a first world is very disturbing. The solution here was the rest of his parents lives in prison, but this doesn’t seem to be a deterrent. What will it take for people like his parents to open their eyes and know what they are doing is wrong.
May 19, 2023
Hard to understand how a ....
It is so incredibly hard to understand how a parent can stand by and watch, even participate, in the torture and murder of her children. I don't care how you were raised you should have enough sense, and love, for your child/children to know better than to repeat the cycle with your own children. What is even more disturbing is how a parent can watch and be a part of the brutal things happening to her child/children by someone who is no relationship to them. Inconceivable! God surely has a special place in hell for the likes of these two. I hope when the judge renders his sentence they are both given a life without the possibly of parole EVER. They chose to end this little boys life. I have heard other inmates don't care much for those who hurt children. Hopefully they will get a taste of what Anthony Nolan Avalos had to endure! An eye for an eye.
Rest in peace Anthony. You are loved and will not be forgotten.
p.s.-don't get me started on the lack of follow-up by the police, school administrators, the various departments of child services and those tasked with protecting these innocent children!
It is so incredibly hard to understand how a parent can stand by and watch, even participate, in the torture and murder of her children. I don't care how you were raised you should have enough sense, and love, for your child/children to know better than to repeat the cycle with your own children. What is even more disturbing is how a parent can watch and be a part of the brutal things happening to her child/children by someone who is no relationship to them. Inconceivable! God surely has a special place in hell for the likes of these two. I hope when the judge renders his sentence they are both given a life without the possibly of parole EVER. They chose to end this little boys life. I have heard other inmates don't care much for those who hurt children. Hopefully they will get a taste of what Anthony Nolan Avalos had to endure! An eye for an eye.
Rest in peace Anthony. You are loved and will not be forgotten.
p.s.-don't get me started on the lack of follow-up by the police, school administrators, the various departments of child services and those tasked with protecting these innocent children!
October 26, 2023
Heartbreaking
This is another heartbreaking story of an innocent child killed by their cruel mother and her BF. They're so hard to read, but their stories need to be told. The author also includes tips to look out for, which is so helpful. Unfortunately we don't always see the signs, but these tips maybe able to help us notice them. I read these stories and MT heart breaks, as a mother myself, I could never imagine hurting my child the way these mothers did. In this case & many others the abuse was reported, but it was ignored, how many more innocent children need to die for something to be done? The author is so kind when telling these poor children's stories, you hear it from the victims point and then the factual side. Yes these stories are hard to read, but their stories need to be told and heard.
This is another heartbreaking story of an innocent child killed by their cruel mother and her BF. They're so hard to read, but their stories need to be told. The author also includes tips to look out for, which is so helpful. Unfortunately we don't always see the signs, but these tips maybe able to help us notice them. I read these stories and MT heart breaks, as a mother myself, I could never imagine hurting my child the way these mothers did. In this case & many others the abuse was reported, but it was ignored, how many more innocent children need to die for something to be done? The author is so kind when telling these poor children's stories, you hear it from the victims point and then the factual side. Yes these stories are hard to read, but their stories need to be told and heard.
April 27, 2023
This book is extremely hard to get through, as are all of Jessica's books. The fact that people can be so cruel to children that they should love and cherish invokes rage, disgust, & horror in us all. I will never understand these parents and caregivers who neglect and tortured them.
Jessica Jackson has written with such gut-wrenching details. Jessica, you are an exceptional amazing writer who I can see writes from her heart. despite everything these precious little children went through they will never be forgotten. I will never understand why anyone would be so abusive to innocent children.
Jessica Jackson has written with such gut-wrenching details. Jessica, you are an exceptional amazing writer who I can see writes from her heart. despite everything these precious little children went through they will never be forgotten. I will never understand why anyone would be so abusive to innocent children.
April 28, 2023
Heartbreaking
This is another heartbreaking story of how a beautiful child has Ben let down by all the authorities that are there to protect him. It feels like no lessons were learnt from Gabriel Fernandez which is both angering and heartbreaking in equal measures.
Jessica writes the first part as though she Anthony Avalon’s which is done very well and very sensitively and then the second part is factual. I really love how Jessica never looses sight of the importance of Anthony and that this is his story and at no point celebrates or sensationalises his abusers, it must be really difficult to keep the emotion out of her writing but I feel Jessica does this very well.
This is another heartbreaking story of how a beautiful child has Ben let down by all the authorities that are there to protect him. It feels like no lessons were learnt from Gabriel Fernandez which is both angering and heartbreaking in equal measures.
Jessica writes the first part as though she Anthony Avalon’s which is done very well and very sensitively and then the second part is factual. I really love how Jessica never looses sight of the importance of Anthony and that this is his story and at no point celebrates or sensationalises his abusers, it must be really difficult to keep the emotion out of her writing but I feel Jessica does this very well.
June 1, 2024
Thank you for factual evidence included
Reading this I was upset, hurt, emotional and very sick. The depravity of human beings. I feel and listen to all the children. If I feel concerned I do report. I know as I have sat through a case of child death as an appropriate adult for a disability considered parent. We all should be doing more especially when we are young adults that should be taught or something for the young adults to learn from. Everyone of these types of cases are horrendous, later analysed you can see where the errors are. Policymakers do change rules but who can change human insights ?
Reading this I was upset, hurt, emotional and very sick. The depravity of human beings. I feel and listen to all the children. If I feel concerned I do report. I know as I have sat through a case of child death as an appropriate adult for a disability considered parent. We all should be doing more especially when we are young adults that should be taught or something for the young adults to learn from. Everyone of these types of cases are horrendous, later analysed you can see where the errors are. Policymakers do change rules but who can change human insights ?
June 3, 2024
How does one even begin to write a review or rate a book such as this? I read a lot of true crime stories, and this shook me to my core. I remember when this happened, and I followed this and Gabriel's stories closely. As a mother, I just cannot fathom how another mother can do such vile things to their child, let alone allow someone else to do even worse things. This sweet boy deserved so much better! I also feel that every single person at DCFS that ever had anything to do with this family, and continually allowed those children to stay in her care, should have been on trial for murder, just as the mom and step-dad. They are just as guilty! May that sweet angel finally know peace!
April 29, 2023
Every time I read about these poor children, my heart breaks a little more. Ms. Jackson deals with the subject with a gentleness that gets the story out there and the facts of the negligence of people who had the power to change things, but didn't. The abusers deserve whatever jail time they get. I would highly recommend people read these stories and get the word out, so that we can put an end to such abuse. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
May 2, 2023
These stories are always so difficult to read. However, until no more children are tortured and murdered, these horrifying stories need to be told. What's truly sad is people in authority who can do something and prevent these tragedies seem to "drop the ball" again and again. This is where reform has to start. Also, giving these monsters life in prison is a waste. They should be put to death and "scraped" off the bottom of our shoe, like we all do when we step in crap.
April 25, 2023
Child Abuse is wicked
Another well written book by Jessica Jackson. Another book that shows the wicked side of people who harm their own defenseless children. Unfortunately again we see how the system failed to save another child. We need to fight to make people aware of child abuse so we can stop it!
Another well written book by Jessica Jackson. Another book that shows the wicked side of people who harm their own defenseless children. Unfortunately again we see how the system failed to save another child. We need to fight to make people aware of child abuse so we can stop it!
April 27, 2023
Justice too late
Heart rending story of Anthony, and Jess continues to highlight these murders from the child’s perspective. When kind adults try to save children, but authorities STOP them, the system is broken! Jess is bringing these stories into the spotlight, and I hope that as a society we are listening and learning how to protect our children before it’s too late. Again.
Heart rending story of Anthony, and Jess continues to highlight these murders from the child’s perspective. When kind adults try to save children, but authorities STOP them, the system is broken! Jess is bringing these stories into the spotlight, and I hope that as a society we are listening and learning how to protect our children before it’s too late. Again.
April 28, 2024
So sad
I read this book with tears. As a parent I cannot imagine even doing anything like that to my children. Thank you for sharing these sad stories. While we should be in a time that our children are better protected from abuse we know that it happens. I will fight and stand against child abuse until I take my last breath
I read this book with tears. As a parent I cannot imagine even doing anything like that to my children. Thank you for sharing these sad stories. While we should be in a time that our children are better protected from abuse we know that it happens. I will fight and stand against child abuse until I take my last breath
October 10, 2025
heartbreaking
This story was heartbreaking to read. I shed tears reading what this child endured during his short life. I cried for the system meant to protect him ignored him and his siblings. This was an excellent book bringing out the truth on how we as a nation fail our children. Everyone should read at least one of these books.
This story was heartbreaking to read. I shed tears reading what this child endured during his short life. I cried for the system meant to protect him ignored him and his siblings. This was an excellent book bringing out the truth on how we as a nation fail our children. Everyone should read at least one of these books.
April 25, 2023
Very informative
So so sad. Real evil exists in this world. The author tells the story without bias, and genuine care to tell these poor children's stories and hopefully help other children.
So so sad. Real evil exists in this world. The author tells the story without bias, and genuine care to tell these poor children's stories and hopefully help other children.
April 26, 2023
The story of Anthony Avalos by Jessica Jackson is another story of abuse so horrible that death was perhaps a way out for this beautiful little boy. How many children are abused to death every day. Wake up, read his story and be more aware.
May 3, 2023
Emotionally riveting.
It's so hard to read the abuse these children deal with day in and day out. I do think their stories need to be told as bluntly as possible. It's hard to believe that this really happens. It could be a child in your community who needs you.
It's so hard to read the abuse these children deal with day in and day out. I do think their stories need to be told as bluntly as possible. It's hard to believe that this really happens. It could be a child in your community who needs you.
March 21, 2024
Anthony
I disliked the fact that Anthony gave so many signs that he was being abused and no one assisted him. I would have thought for sure the authorities would step in more than they did.
Thanks for sharing Jessica
I disliked the fact that Anthony gave so many signs that he was being abused and no one assisted him. I would have thought for sure the authorities would step in more than they did.
Thanks for sharing Jessica
May 15, 2024
Abuse
I like this book because it makes me aware that abuse is about any age. It made cry,being mad that people can get away with this till the child has to go through abuse till death comes. Because no one listens.
I like this book because it makes me aware that abuse is about any age. It made cry,being mad that people can get away with this till the child has to go through abuse till death comes. Because no one listens.
June 18, 2024
Such a sad true story
I hate to say it was a good story and give it five stars. How can we say it was good with an ending like that. I would recommend this book and all of your others be given to all teachers and childrens protective services.
I hate to say it was a good story and give it five stars. How can we say it was good with an ending like that. I would recommend this book and all of your others be given to all teachers and childrens protective services.
July 17, 2024
😭 oh my heart 💙
This was my first read from Jessica. Just putting myself in the story like I do other books was hard. When you know these tragedies are happening and the resources are not tough enough to help! Rest easy Anthony 💙💙
This was my first read from Jessica. Just putting myself in the story like I do other books was hard. When you know these tragedies are happening and the resources are not tough enough to help! Rest easy Anthony 💙💙
April 25, 2023
Shocking
Another a great book by Jessica Jackson to raise awareness to children that are abused to death. A must read and please review help raise awareness.
Another a great book by Jessica Jackson to raise awareness to children that are abused to death. A must read and please review help raise awareness.
April 28, 2023
A horrifying and heartbreaking story. Jessica Jackson is respectful of abused children telling their story. You can almost hear the children whisper their thoughts in her ear.
May 11, 2023
Heartbresking
As a mother, I can understand getting frustrated and upset with your child. However, that is NEVER a reason to abuse. It's just tragic what this boy went through
As a mother, I can understand getting frustrated and upset with your child. However, that is NEVER a reason to abuse. It's just tragic what this boy went through
May 21, 2023
A good but very sad read
Please help to raise awareness on child abuse and torture. Listen to any child that tells you something. Listen and be aware
Please help to raise awareness on child abuse and torture. Listen to any child that tells you something. Listen and be aware
June 16, 2023
A short story , absolutely heart breaking
October 13, 2023
Anthony
Have tissues ready and be prepared to be outrage! Absolutely ridiculous that this happened and shame on those involved but didn’t persuade legal follow up.
Have tissues ready and be prepared to be outrage! Absolutely ridiculous that this happened and shame on those involved but didn’t persuade legal follow up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews