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Too Scared to Cry: A True Short Story
A digital short story from author and foster carer Maggie Hartley. Also contains a sneak peek chapter from Maggie's highly anticipated debut memoir, TINY PRISONERS.Brothers Ben and Damien are shockingly quiet when they arrive on Maggie's doorstep. They don't shout or play like normal three and four year olds. They hardly dare make a sound, so much have they been conditioned to be 'seen and not heard' by their mother and controlling stepfather.More disturbingly, their little baby half-brother Noah is completely unresponsive. He doesn't play, he doesn't smile, he doesn't crawl - he doesn't even cry. In a state of blankness brought about by emotional neglect, poor baby Noah is disconnected from the world. Maggie has never seen such a young life so affected before. Yet with time, love and care, Maggie gradually unpicks what has caused this terrible void. She teaches the children to play and laugh and to not be afraid to make noise. We see Ben, Damien and Noah take steps towards a positive future and their journey reaches a happy conclusion when they are adopted by a loving family. With love and affection, they are no longer scared to be themselves. They are free to make their voices heard.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2016
214 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 1, 2017
Darling childrern
These Darling little children who were abused physically by their step father ended up in a foster home, where their foster mother tried to engage them in day to day life. It took quite a long time to gradually draw the children out of their shells. This being especially the six month old baby who was like a ragdoll, he never cried, kick his little legs, it took a lot of time and patience to withdraw the baby out of his world he was locked in. A marvellous lady who had fostered these children gave the children their lives back. Well-done to her. If was just a story it would make a good read, but because it's a true story it starts as tragic story with the perfect outcome. Its so sad this day and age abuse to children still happens. I think it would take an amazing miracle if it ever stops.
These Darling little children who were abused physically by their step father ended up in a foster home, where their foster mother tried to engage them in day to day life. It took quite a long time to gradually draw the children out of their shells. This being especially the six month old baby who was like a ragdoll, he never cried, kick his little legs, it took a lot of time and patience to withdraw the baby out of his world he was locked in. A marvellous lady who had fostered these children gave the children their lives back. Well-done to her. If was just a story it would make a good read, but because it's a true story it starts as tragic story with the perfect outcome. Its so sad this day and age abuse to children still happens. I think it would take an amazing miracle if it ever stops.
July 28, 2022
This book was actually a reread for me - I read this for the first time almost seven years ago with my best friend. However, I literally didn’t remember anything about it, so it was like reading it for the first time for me.
“Too Scared To Cry” is a short story based on a real life case. Maggie Hartley is warned that the children she is about to take on are very quiet, but it’s only when she actually meets them that she realises just how badly emotionally damaged they are. The two toddlers (Ben and Damian) don’t utter a single word for the first 24 hours that they are in Maggie’s care, and the baby (Noah), who joins them a day later, is even more of a cause for concern - he can’t sit up, he doesn’t respond to touch or conversation, and most worryingly, he doesn’t cry - at all. The story follows Maggie as she works with the children and attempts to find out why they are so emotionally damaged and help them to overcome their traumatic start in life and leave the past behind them.
This book was incredible. It was a very quick read, as it is a short story (I must say I was surprised at how short it was at first - for some reason I remembered it being longer?), but there was still so much detail and so much was covered. It was heartbreaking to read about the abuse the boys suffered at the hands of their father and the control that their father had over their mother… i will never understand how parents can abuse their children like this. Some of the effects of this abuse were heartbreaking - it had gotten to a point where, as the title says, the baby was too scared to cry, and the two older boys were too scared to even make noise when they were playing a game.
The ending made me so happy - those three boys deserved a happy ending so much - and the progress that they made in just a few months, with lots of love and care and reassurance from Maggie, was absolutely insane. I sincerely hope that they continued to live a happy life with their new family long after this case was closed!
An overall amazing book that sensitively tells the story of three very emotionally damaged children. I give this book 4 stars!
“Too Scared To Cry” is a short story based on a real life case. Maggie Hartley is warned that the children she is about to take on are very quiet, but it’s only when she actually meets them that she realises just how badly emotionally damaged they are. The two toddlers (Ben and Damian) don’t utter a single word for the first 24 hours that they are in Maggie’s care, and the baby (Noah), who joins them a day later, is even more of a cause for concern - he can’t sit up, he doesn’t respond to touch or conversation, and most worryingly, he doesn’t cry - at all. The story follows Maggie as she works with the children and attempts to find out why they are so emotionally damaged and help them to overcome their traumatic start in life and leave the past behind them.
This book was incredible. It was a very quick read, as it is a short story (I must say I was surprised at how short it was at first - for some reason I remembered it being longer?), but there was still so much detail and so much was covered. It was heartbreaking to read about the abuse the boys suffered at the hands of their father and the control that their father had over their mother… i will never understand how parents can abuse their children like this. Some of the effects of this abuse were heartbreaking - it had gotten to a point where, as the title says, the baby was too scared to cry, and the two older boys were too scared to even make noise when they were playing a game.
The ending made me so happy - those three boys deserved a happy ending so much - and the progress that they made in just a few months, with lots of love and care and reassurance from Maggie, was absolutely insane. I sincerely hope that they continued to live a happy life with their new family long after this case was closed!
An overall amazing book that sensitively tells the story of three very emotionally damaged children. I give this book 4 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2020
This followed Ben, Damian and Noah’s story - again it’s such a sad story and it’s horrible to picture what some children have gone through.
But Maggie always shows her love and gets people through tough times and does everything she can to support those she is looking after.
I am so thankful that the boys ended up finding such a loving forever family, and they didn’t have to go back to their awful parents.
But Maggie always shows her love and gets people through tough times and does everything she can to support those she is looking after.
I am so thankful that the boys ended up finding such a loving forever family, and they didn’t have to go back to their awful parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2018
Just wow!
This may be called a short story, but it's a great read. I have to wonder if Maggie realizes what a miracle worker she really is for these children. Child neglect and abuse abound, unfortunately. This is what life is all about. Rescuing vulnerable children. Kudos!
This may be called a short story, but it's a great read. I have to wonder if Maggie realizes what a miracle worker she really is for these children. Child neglect and abuse abound, unfortunately. This is what life is all about. Rescuing vulnerable children. Kudos!
February 10, 2019
Touching
This book was well written with factual information in the world of Foster Caring. A touching insightful renditiins into the world of children in care. Ms Hartley's books could be considered in a school curriculum as a study in a guidance program as a study in caring.
This book was well written with factual information in the world of Foster Caring. A touching insightful renditiins into the world of children in care. Ms Hartley's books could be considered in a school curriculum as a study in a guidance program as a study in caring.
November 8, 2019
Another wonderful read of Maggie Hartley and her inspiring work as a foster carer. There were 3 heartbreaking short stories in this book which ended happily thanks to Maggie's determination and support. I'm looking forward to reading lots more of her books in the future.
January 24, 2024
Lovely book of short stories. Satisfaction in picking up a book and not to drag the story out. Unique, should be done more often so people can commit to reading and not have the pressure of reading a whole book.
March 23, 2018
Excellent
This is a very emotional book. I laughed, cried and generally loved this book. It was interesting about what techniques that were used.
This is a very emotional book. I laughed, cried and generally loved this book. It was interesting about what techniques that were used.
May 27, 2017
Brilliant
Excellent book I had a fabulous read, glad the children got to found a new loving home bad was able to forget about their past x
Excellent book I had a fabulous read, glad the children got to found a new loving home bad was able to forget about their past x
August 28, 2017
Liked it
I am very glad that there are people like Maggie in the world who are willing & able to help these vulnerable children in their time of need.
I am very glad that there are people like Maggie in the world who are willing & able to help these vulnerable children in their time of need.
January 22, 2018
Eye opening story!
A good ending to a tragic beginning for two small children who were neglected by the adults in their lives.
A good ending to a tragic beginning for two small children who were neglected by the adults in their lives.
March 9, 2018
A good read
It makes you realise how other people are and how lucky you are if your family is secure and loving
It makes you realise how other people are and how lucky you are if your family is secure and loving
March 9, 2018
Maggie is truly amazing
This left me in tears at some points but the work Maggie does for these children is truly amazing. Such a great ending as well!
This left me in tears at some points but the work Maggie does for these children is truly amazing. Such a great ending as well!
February 14, 2019
Heartbreaking
Heartbreaking story but what a wonderful ending.
Hard book to put down.
Amazing woman with a huge heart.
Must read
Heartbreaking story but what a wonderful ending.
Hard book to put down.
Amazing woman with a huge heart.
Must read
March 21, 2019
Great read.
I've read a few of Maggie's books now and have loved them all. Such sad stories with happy endings. I too cared for children and can relate to alot of her books.
I've read a few of Maggie's books now and have loved them all. Such sad stories with happy endings. I too cared for children and can relate to alot of her books.
August 14, 2019
Sad story with a very happy ending!
August 21, 2020
Sad
So very happy everything worked out perfect can imagine people being so cold to baby or children. Great story for sleep
So very happy everything worked out perfect can imagine people being so cold to baby or children. Great story for sleep
April 25, 2021
Good book
December 31, 2021
Great story telling! The stories show what it is like inside a foster home, and the situations children could deal with that puts them into foster care.
March 13, 2022
enjoyed reading this book
I really enjoyed reading this book and to see things work out at the end for the three siblings. Would recommend this book
I really enjoyed reading this book and to see things work out at the end for the three siblings. Would recommend this book
May 28, 2022
Fab read as always
Want to read
December 4, 2022Good
Good quick read I like following these,stories. Will keep following these,stories and hoping for good outcomes for all the children
Good quick read I like following these,stories. Will keep following these,stories and hoping for good outcomes for all the children
November 20, 2025
Touching short story.
March 10, 2025
To have an infant that doesn’t make a single sound or acknowledge anything happening is just so upsetting to think about. To think that this infant was ignored to the point the baby learned that crying did nothing, that no one did anything to help the poor infant. I struggle to understand how these people could have kids and not even love them a little bit. This is not a judgement of the parents as they could struggle with many things. It’s just not something I understand myself.
April 23, 2016
What a brief insightful read into the world of fostering/adoption. The book describes not only the physical impacts of children who have been mistreated in the family home but also the emotional/mental impacts - it was heart breaking to read about how the baby had been affected and how Maggie helps him overcome his issues.
March 26, 2016
Stupid
Stupid
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Stupid
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April 11, 2016
Brilliant
Fantastic read did not want it to end wish it would have had a follow-up
On all 3 children .
Fantastic read did not want it to end wish it would have had a follow-up
On all 3 children .
June 9, 2016
another fab read , couldn't put down
June 27, 2016
Very good
Really enjoyed this story,how the two boys and their baby brother were brought round to enjoy life and start being children again. Very heart warming,loved it.
Really enjoyed this story,how the two boys and their baby brother were brought round to enjoy life and start being children again. Very heart warming,loved it.
November 1, 2016
Great Quick Read
Very good and enlightening. I enjoyed this as well as Tiny Prisoners. Well written and interesting. Maggie is a great carer.
Very good and enlightening. I enjoyed this as well as Tiny Prisoners. Well written and interesting. Maggie is a great carer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews