The Wild Child: Secrets always find a way of revealing themselves. Sometimes you just need to know where to look: A True Short Story

by Casey Watson

Casey tells the harrowing story of Connor, an eight year old boy from a broken home who comes to stay with her family.

It’s a Saturday morning when Casey and Mike are asked to take in eight year old Connor – an emergency placement, just for a couple of days, following a violent incident at his now former care home. And Casey’s instinct, as ever, is to say yes. With long term foster son Tyler off to football, and no particular plans for the weekend, even the fact that Connor arrives in what looks like a prison van doesn’t phase her – after all, challenging children are what she and Mike have trained for. And how much trouble can he really be? He’s eight.

A lot, as it turns out.

Connor is as streetwise as they come, and, hurt and angry, seems determined to cause trouble from the off. But despite the attitude, there’s something strangely endearing about their little visitor that makes Casey want to tease out the frightened child behind the swagger. So much so that, with Connor and Tyler getting on so well, she wonders – should they say they’ll keep him longer? It seems like the easiest decision in the world …

Genres: Nonfiction, Fostering, Memoir, Ebooks, Abuse, Biography Memoir

77 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2015

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey Watson always tells a good fostering story with care and attention to detail.

This is a short story, not many pages and my kindle told me it was just over a little 2 hours long.

Casey is approached to take in a little boy, Connor. He has been held at a special place for wayward children as he has known to attack people. His outrages come and go and no one knows how they are sparked off.

Its a big ask....
So she discusses this with her husband Mike, long suffering...
and the young permanent resident as this will affect both their weekend not just hers.

It was supposed to be just for a weekend until they can get something sorted and seeing Casey is experienced,plus they had no one else to ask....this left Casey on the spot.

With a big heart, as all foster parents have, she invites Connor into her home.

He doesn't seem that bad.

He looks young, fresh and innocent.

But he is nothing like this as we discover among the pages we read, this young boy is young in age but he knows more than he should.

Can Casey and Mike handle it over the weekend?

Its one of their longest weekends .....ever.

My thanks to HarperCollins UK, Nonfiction via Net Galley for my copy. I have also bought the paperback so my daughter can read it.

Anyone who likes to read these foster/adoption/true life stories, this one is worth reading

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this is a short story, I find it hard to say what I think of the book, without giving away too much.
It was a really interesting read. I really did enjoy it. I think foster carers do an amazing job. And often don't get the praise they so deserve. I considered fostering once upon a time myself. Its something I think I would have enjoyed. My husband was dead against it. He couldn't cope with the thought of looking after a child, and growing attached and then giving it back so to speak. I think If a foster carer, cares for a child even just a short time, knowing you have helped or done something for that child even if its just putting a roof over their head over night, it must be so rewarding. I think it really does take a special kind of person.

Casey, and her husband Mike have Conner come to stay, its an emergency placement just for the weekend. Connor for want of a better phrase is a little shit. A very mixed up little boy. Very street wise for his age, at only 8 it seems Connor know's more about life that some teenagers do.
As I said with this only being a short story I really don't want to give too much away, the fact that it is a true story makes even more heart breaking.
This book really is worth a read. I don't think you would be disappointed.

[Nicki Southwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Elizabeth Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! It’s completely heartbreaking what street smarts and manipulation tactics an 8 year old can learn just to survive. Thank goodness Casey’s agency worker knows her better than she knows herself.

[Lisa Carlile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another harrowing account from foster carer casey and her family

[Ruth Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short EBook 13 chapters long about a disruptive boy taken by Casey in for the weekend 5years later I wonder how he is today

[Odette Linnane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opener

Wow, this kid is only eight. Such a sad life for a young boy. I hope Connor gets and finds the right place for him. Another brilliant short story from Casey Watson

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poor kid…but I couldnt help but laugh at some parts either haha.

[Brent Seheult · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Casey Classic

It seems like every child Casey falls in love with, so do I. I hope little Connor turned out fine. I was sad when he left, but glad her boss made the decision. I didn't get teary eyed like I did with Tyler. Sweet Tyler. God I love her work.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Child

Casey agrees to take an uncontrollable boy for the weekend. He wrecks havoc in the short time he is there. As Casey is thinking about keeping him longer her contact person steps in and removed the boy. Good story but as I don't like stories this short I can't recommend it. I'd rather see her short stories grouped into one longer book.

[Tanya kilvington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Another great read from Casey,only took me an hour to read as it was short story but had you gripped from first paige ,also made me laugh when Casey took them to soft play as I imagined I was there with her could picture the scene so funny

[sandra turner]

Love and commitmeny A child with no home

Another brilliant story of a brilliant foster carer and the wonderful work she she does
A very special lady to do something
Like this to help children and not to be judgemental. A very rewarding job.g

[Delia Sandford · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual another good read from Casey pity it was a short story

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey does or again , writes an awesome book:)

[Vicky Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic short story from Casey Watson which gives a real insight into the highs and lows of foster care.

[Julia Katic · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad to have come across the author Casey Watson. This is the first of her books that I have read, but definitely not the last. What a special person with a wonderful way with troubled children.

[Joanne VanVelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If we only knew

Good read. How many of these children are there. What kind of a life do some of these kids have to look forward to if they don't get all the help they require.

[Belinda Shavers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly good read.

I was a little disappointed with the ending. Would have liked to know how Conner was adjusting to the new placement.

[Judy Ann Bertoson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

I enjoyed reading this book but, my only complaint is that it was too short, it left me wanting more and the ending left me hanging. I would recommend this book.

[Molly Luck · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was short and to the point.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Impressive Book!

[leanne baldwin]

Good

Good read I've read all her books but this one is v e r y good its mad the world we live in and how many children are damaged