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From Both Sides, A Look into the World of Foster Care from Those Who Know It Best
Recommended for ages 13+.
Written by a foster parent, this book explores the emotions, issues and experiences that accompany being involved in foster care. Split into two sections, this book lets the foster kids tell things from their side and then flips around and looks at things from a foster parent's point of view.
The information in this book was collected from the author's personal experience fostering children in her home and from multiple interviews and conversations with foster parents, current foster youth and former foster children.
Written in a personal, open and brutally honest prose/poetry form, this book will hopefully bring comfort, encouragement and a sense of familiarity to those involved in the foster care system. It is also a great resource for those who wish to learn more about the foster care system and the unique challenges and experiences that foster children and foster parents go through everyday.
Written by a foster parent, this book explores the emotions, issues and experiences that accompany being involved in foster care. Split into two sections, this book lets the foster kids tell things from their side and then flips around and looks at things from a foster parent's point of view.
The information in this book was collected from the author's personal experience fostering children in her home and from multiple interviews and conversations with foster parents, current foster youth and former foster children.
Written in a personal, open and brutally honest prose/poetry form, this book will hopefully bring comfort, encouragement and a sense of familiarity to those involved in the foster care system. It is also a great resource for those who wish to learn more about the foster care system and the unique challenges and experiences that foster children and foster parents go through everyday.
Unknown Binding
First published April 8, 2013
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285 people want to read
About the author
Maranda Russell
26 books66 followersHi! I am an award-winning artist, author, poet, book reviewer, and blogger. I have been given several awards and honors for my writings and artwork. I spend most of my time reading, writing, drawing, watching cartoons, hanging out with my family, playing with my cats, enjoying nature, browsing local bookstores and doing other fun, nerdy stuff.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 27, 2018
From Both Sides: A Look Into the World of Foster Care from Those Who Know It Best is a short book of prose poems that's written both from the perspective a foster child and that of a foster parent. Maranda herself has been a foster parent. She explains that her aim is to clarify the challenges faced by foster kids and parents, and bring encouragement and inspiration.
Themes in the poems about being a foster kid include feeling like damaged goods, being shuffled around and lacking permanence, and self-hatred. One poem that I found particularly moving is False Hope, which is about being led to believe that a return home will be happening soon. One of my favourite lines in the book: "I'm like fruitcake, the gift that no one really wants."
The parents section talks about things being stolen, the ongoing effects from the child's previous abuse, powerlessness, and a flurry of other challenging emotions. The poems provide insight into both the rewards and the difficulties that go along with foster parenting.
This book offers an excellent insider look at the world of foster care, and takes the unique approach of looking at it from both sides.
Themes in the poems about being a foster kid include feeling like damaged goods, being shuffled around and lacking permanence, and self-hatred. One poem that I found particularly moving is False Hope, which is about being led to believe that a return home will be happening soon. One of my favourite lines in the book: "I'm like fruitcake, the gift that no one really wants."
The parents section talks about things being stolen, the ongoing effects from the child's previous abuse, powerlessness, and a flurry of other challenging emotions. The poems provide insight into both the rewards and the difficulties that go along with foster parenting.
This book offers an excellent insider look at the world of foster care, and takes the unique approach of looking at it from both sides.
October 16, 2015
I am not a fan of poetry. If I had known that this was written in that style I would not have got it and missed out on something very special. Half the book is written by children in foster care and the other half of the book is by the adults that have taken foster children into their family.
What the children wrote felt honest and sincere. These young minds are very creative they have and they are very open about the damage that has been done to them. They write about needing consistency and love. Then you have the opinion of the adults that have or are foster parents. They focus a lot on material possessions and complain about the children not being good enough for them. The second half feels much more negative.
This is a different way of looking at foster care children and the adults that take them in. You will not be wasting your time.
What the children wrote felt honest and sincere. These young minds are very creative they have and they are very open about the damage that has been done to them. They write about needing consistency and love. Then you have the opinion of the adults that have or are foster parents. They focus a lot on material possessions and complain about the children not being good enough for them. The second half feels much more negative.
This is a different way of looking at foster care children and the adults that take them in. You will not be wasting your time.
September 21, 2014
Oh, what a beautiful albeit heartbreaking book! A collection of brief poems, it really tugs at the heartstrings. I have been aware of the plight of the foster child (as well as the foster parents) for quite some time now, but reading about their daily lives and their true emotions almost brought me to tears. I can't even imagine what it feels like to either be a foster child or take one into my home, but the author does a wonderful job of educating the public by making it painfully obvious just how difficult their lives can be.
January 4, 2015
"Abuse and neglect are truly the gifts that keep on giving", a quote from the book and a sad, sad reality. This book is amazing. My only complaint is I wished it was longer! Maranda gives us a clear view of how foster kids see the world and though it's painful to read, it must be talked about. I admire Maranda so much for being a foster parent and for bringing this topic to the table. The poems are so heartbreaking...These kids deserve to be heard and loved! I recommend this book to everyone! A definite must read!!!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews