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The Bad Room: Held Captive and Abused by My Evil Carer. A True Story of Survival.
After years of physical and mental abuse, Jade thought her kindly foster mother would be the answer to her prayers. She was wrong … this is her staggering true story. ‘This must be what prison is like,’ I thought as another hour crawled by. In fact, prison would be better … at least you knew your sentence. You could tick off the days until you got out. In the Bad Room we had no idea how long we’d serve. After years of constant abuse, Jade thought her foster mother Linda Black would be the answer to her prayers. Loving and nurturing, she offered ten-year-old Jade a life free of fear. But once the regular social-worker checks stopped, Linda turned and over the next six years Jade and three other girls were kept prisoner in a bedroom they called the ‘bad room’. Shut away for 16 hours at a time, they were starved, violently beaten, forbidden from speaking or using the toilet and routinely humiliated. Jade was left feeling broken and suicidal. This is the powerful true story of how one woman banished the ghosts of her past by taking dramatic action to protect the life of every vulnerable child in care.
320 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
March 10, 2020
Thank you to everyone that will support my story and journey.
I appreciate you!
Happy Reading.
Jade Kelly
I appreciate you!
Happy Reading.
Jade Kelly
January 18, 2021
What a heartbreaking story, This poor girl went through hell and back along with the other children that where in care with her, Firstly her own mother let her down then the Foster carer let her down, but most horrifically the justice system for children let her down, only when a Sch friend told a teacher action was taken after been told so many times, all children suffered horrible and sick abuse, A excellent read, definitely recommend!
February 21, 2021
Me and my friend buddy read this together and I'm so glad I had someone to talk to throughout this book. I was so angry and frustrated that these young girls went through something so vile and no-one did anything to stop it or help them for so many years!
My heart broke and I was close to tears on a number of occasions.
It wasn't an easy read at all but I'm just so glad that jade made something of your life and had the strength to tell her story.
My heart broke and I was close to tears on a number of occasions.
It wasn't an easy read at all but I'm just so glad that jade made something of your life and had the strength to tell her story.
April 2, 2025
What a heartbreaking story, This poor girl Jade went through hell and back along with the other children that where in care with her. Firstly her own mother let her down then the foster carer let her down, but most horrifically the justice system for children let her down, only when a school friend told a teacher action was taken after been told so many times before, all the children suffered horrible and sick abuse. A excellent read, definitely recommend.
February 19, 2021
Jade was treated badly and was neglected by her Mum, after years of suffering she was placed in foster care. Jade thought she was finally going have a normal happy life, it turned out her foster career Linda was even worse. Poor Jade was physically and mentally abused as well as neglected.
Jade was let down massively by social services, they could of done something a lot sooner. Jade and three other young girls suffered at the hand of Linda. They will all have life long mental scars from the abuse they suffered.
Jade managed too turn her life around although she has struggled mentally. She was brave enough to tell her story and hopefully give hope to others who have suffered similar things👏🏼
Jade was let down massively by social services, they could of done something a lot sooner. Jade and three other young girls suffered at the hand of Linda. They will all have life long mental scars from the abuse they suffered.
Jade managed too turn her life around although she has struggled mentally. She was brave enough to tell her story and hopefully give hope to others who have suffered similar things👏🏼
June 1, 2024
A tragic and harrowing story, hard to imagine how anyone could be so capable of evil and that no one seemed to be able to help.
I found it hard to review this book because without a doubt it’s one I will never forget reading.
I found it hard to review this book because without a doubt it’s one I will never forget reading.
November 11, 2025
It is insane to hear stories like Jades. Our most vulnerable members of society are often neglected and left in the care of the worst people.
Sometimes the story became a bit repetitive, however, I was still keen to find out how Jade made it out of that awful place.
Sometimes the story became a bit repetitive, however, I was still keen to find out how Jade made it out of that awful place.
April 14, 2023
This was a hard subject to read. It’s sad how the system fails some and not others. It’s unfair. I did find the book a little slow and repetitive at times and then rushed at the end.
December 28, 2025
So glad Jade has been able to tell her story and fight for the rights of others who are in the foster care system 🩷
September 10, 2020
Based on a true life account this harrowing story shows strong courage and loyalty between jade and the others who were also caught up in the severe failings of a social services intervention. Glad to see an eventual positive outcome for jade but what a hard life she led. Inspirational lady x
November 11, 2020
Amazing
Such a sad but honest read of survival in the care system of missed opportunities that should never had happened..
Such a sad but honest read of survival in the care system of missed opportunities that should never had happened..
September 1, 2020
This Storie Of Jades Upbringing Was Absolutely Heartbreaking. Going Through All Of What Her And Her Siblings Had Been Through Whilest In Care Of Their Mother But More Heartbreaking When Jade When To Live With Her Foster Carer Linda. Children Shouldn’t Go Through What Those Girls Had Been Through. Thank God That The Social Services Step In And Step Up With Protecting Them All.
It Is Definitely A Must Read But Have Tissues At The Ready!
It Is Definitely A Must Read But Have Tissues At The Ready!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2020
This was such a heartbreaking read but also very inspiring.
November 8, 2020
Great book
Fantastic book I couldn't put it down.it was heartbreaking though. Would recommend to read this. She was a tough little girl.
Fantastic book I couldn't put it down.it was heartbreaking though. Would recommend to read this. She was a tough little girl.
August 31, 2020
I bought this book on Saturday....
I was camping etc at the weekend and today have finished!! I am not a fast reader at all.
Each chapter had me needing to know how it ended.
Jade, you are so brave for sharing your story. But also, so amazing at how brave you were throughout.
Well written. It’s just heartbreaking to know stories like this happen.
I was camping etc at the weekend and today have finished!! I am not a fast reader at all.
Each chapter had me needing to know how it ended.
Jade, you are so brave for sharing your story. But also, so amazing at how brave you were throughout.
Well written. It’s just heartbreaking to know stories like this happen.
September 30, 2020
Wow
It’s not often you come across a book from someone you know through others. This book really outlines what a failing the system is and one I’ve known through a past job.
Has you hooked from the start
It’s not often you come across a book from someone you know through others. This book really outlines what a failing the system is and one I’ve known through a past job.
Has you hooked from the start
November 4, 2020
Absolutely awful that this is a true story. Truly heartbreaking but good on Jade for telling her story! Failings like this in the system should never ever be allowed to happen
October 28, 2020
Great emotional read
Jade tells her story so well that you feel have lived it. Emotional read but so good and you will enjoy it. Congratulations Jade on a fantastic book
Jade tells her story so well that you feel have lived it. Emotional read but so good and you will enjoy it. Congratulations Jade on a fantastic book
August 4, 2020
Absolutely brilliant book, really enjoyed it. I recommend it if you haven't read it yet.
October 8, 2020
This is such a
This is such a heartbreaking story but I like how it raises awareness for others to speak out. Well written
This is such a heartbreaking story but I like how it raises awareness for others to speak out. Well written
July 12, 2020
. .
Gosh what a book I was in tears I hope that the carer was put into prison for her
Sins that poor child will have to live with that for rest of her life. How could anyone be like that I do hope that she has played for her sins and can live a normal life, and it will not lead a life of a recluse. Thank you for sharing this story with us readers I hope you can get over this as much as possible. I wish you all the best for the future.
Gosh what a book I was in tears I hope that the carer was put into prison for her
Sins that poor child will have to live with that for rest of her life. How could anyone be like that I do hope that she has played for her sins and can live a normal life, and it will not lead a life of a recluse. Thank you for sharing this story with us readers I hope you can get over this as much as possible. I wish you all the best for the future.
July 11, 2020
Thank you to the author for telling her story so brilliantly. More truly needs to be done to stop these things happening to other innocent children who end up in situations like this. Well worth a read!
June 29, 2020
Good read
Great read good book every thing was portrayed across very well glad they all got some sort of justice in the end
Great read good book every thing was portrayed across very well glad they all got some sort of justice in the end
August 15, 2021
Traumatic Memoir
Jade Kelly is brave. She's courageous. Not only did she suffer atrocious abuse at the hands of her social services-trusted Foster mother, she was then unable to find answers as to WHY this woman treated her and the other children in her care so badly, even from the woman herself.
This is a book you simply cannot put down. Is it an enjoyable read? Yes, but, only in the way it was written, and with the knowledge that what you're reading must have come to an end for there to be a story.
Random beatings, meals witheld, a lack of privacy, punishment for the smallest rule break and deprivation of natural human behaviours, habits and needs. The woman was out of control; a human being at her worst and, over a few years, spiralling towards an act which would eventually bring her cruelty to a much-needed end.
Jade tells it as it was. It's even quite likely what's written isn't quite as bad as it actually was, due to a 'cleaning' of the subject matter in order for it to be published.
This will keep you turning the pages until the end. You'll experience disbelief, disgust and disappointment. Where are/were those people and agencies who are supposed to protect the children who may have already experienced so much deprivation already? Budgets, disinterest, too much faith and belief in the people fostering?
It really is time for change.Time for no more child abuse.
Books like this do at least shine a light on the issues but it'd be wonderful if in the future there weren't quite so many distressing stories.
I wish Jade well for the future and hope she found the experience of sharing her story cathartic.
Jade Kelly is brave. She's courageous. Not only did she suffer atrocious abuse at the hands of her social services-trusted Foster mother, she was then unable to find answers as to WHY this woman treated her and the other children in her care so badly, even from the woman herself.
This is a book you simply cannot put down. Is it an enjoyable read? Yes, but, only in the way it was written, and with the knowledge that what you're reading must have come to an end for there to be a story.
Random beatings, meals witheld, a lack of privacy, punishment for the smallest rule break and deprivation of natural human behaviours, habits and needs. The woman was out of control; a human being at her worst and, over a few years, spiralling towards an act which would eventually bring her cruelty to a much-needed end.
Jade tells it as it was. It's even quite likely what's written isn't quite as bad as it actually was, due to a 'cleaning' of the subject matter in order for it to be published.
This will keep you turning the pages until the end. You'll experience disbelief, disgust and disappointment. Where are/were those people and agencies who are supposed to protect the children who may have already experienced so much deprivation already? Budgets, disinterest, too much faith and belief in the people fostering?
It really is time for change.Time for no more child abuse.
Books like this do at least shine a light on the issues but it'd be wonderful if in the future there weren't quite so many distressing stories.
I wish Jade well for the future and hope she found the experience of sharing her story cathartic.
May 12, 2021
This book is about a true story of a young girl and what she has gone through at home and then in a foster home as well. It's a very strong book and about child abuse.
What I liked the most about the book is that it is spreading awareness of child abuse and as it's based on true story I'm shocked at it's the sorry is about the author so for her to write a story about her childhood and what she went threw is sad but glad she wrote about it for awareness. This book made me so angry and sad but happy at the end but mostly angry.
In my opinion, they wasn't anything I didn't like about this book the way she has wrote this story really gets you thinking of what she had to go threw also of what she would of felt writing this book going back to them horrible memories.
To summarise my reviews it is a good book and very sad wouldn't recommend to anyone who has gone through this also wouldn't recommend to young people definitely an adult book to read but would recommend to spread awareness. I've given this book a 8 out of 10 it is a good book.
What I liked the most about the book is that it is spreading awareness of child abuse and as it's based on true story I'm shocked at it's the sorry is about the author so for her to write a story about her childhood and what she went threw is sad but glad she wrote about it for awareness. This book made me so angry and sad but happy at the end but mostly angry.
In my opinion, they wasn't anything I didn't like about this book the way she has wrote this story really gets you thinking of what she had to go threw also of what she would of felt writing this book going back to them horrible memories.
To summarise my reviews it is a good book and very sad wouldn't recommend to anyone who has gone through this also wouldn't recommend to young people definitely an adult book to read but would recommend to spread awareness. I've given this book a 8 out of 10 it is a good book.
December 26, 2022
Definitely an interesting read, and clearly an awful experience for the author and the other girls involved. Felt a little rushed towards the end/conclusion but the aftermath was very interesting to read.
On a personal note I will say that I felt very frustrated with the authors decisions at times. I understand that I’m not in that situation and have never been close to it, so who can say what we would do in those circumstances, but when it’s laid out in black and white I would say there are a few obvious points where a different decision would quite possibly have helped improve the whole situation.
Having said that, I am horrified that this kind of thjng could happen right under the noses of social services, schools, and even the husband of the main perpetrator. How was he so completely unaware of the events happening?
Well worth a read, but do prepare to come away horrified at the support system for vulnerable children - or at many times, lack of.
On a personal note I will say that I felt very frustrated with the authors decisions at times. I understand that I’m not in that situation and have never been close to it, so who can say what we would do in those circumstances, but when it’s laid out in black and white I would say there are a few obvious points where a different decision would quite possibly have helped improve the whole situation.
Having said that, I am horrified that this kind of thjng could happen right under the noses of social services, schools, and even the husband of the main perpetrator. How was he so completely unaware of the events happening?
Well worth a read, but do prepare to come away horrified at the support system for vulnerable children - or at many times, lack of.
May 27, 2026
I love reading peoples accounts of surviving something traumatic. I am always curious as to the inner strength that people find in such situations. I applaud the survivors for their determination in ensuring not to succumb to the horrors they find themselves in. However, I found this book very repetitive. I appreciate that their ordeal was by all accounts the same routine day in day out and just must be torture in and of itself, I couldn't help but feel like I was reading the same things over and over. Doors swinging open, not being called for meals, sitting facing walls etc. And it saddens me to admit that I was glad to get to the end of the book. This story needed to be told. That, I understand. However, I believe it could have been done so, shorter. Which would have been less tedious to pick up and read. Kudos to jade for telling her experiences and survival.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2022
The Bad Room - Jade Kelly
Triggers - Drugs / Child Abuse / Violence
This is a memoir book in first person, following Jade’s journey as she survives against harrowing experiences.
This book is not easy to read, but I feel all true stories about abuse are hard pills to swallow.
The book shines a light on mental health, abuse and the failings of the system that’s supposed to protect these children.
I think it’s an important subject and any exposure is educational and a worthy cause.
This book had me thinking about trauma and abuse, and how we respond to it as children and then as we grow into teenagers and adults.
Well done to the author for writing a book based on this subject, the more exposure the better.
Triggers - Drugs / Child Abuse / Violence
This is a memoir book in first person, following Jade’s journey as she survives against harrowing experiences.
This book is not easy to read, but I feel all true stories about abuse are hard pills to swallow.
The book shines a light on mental health, abuse and the failings of the system that’s supposed to protect these children.
I think it’s an important subject and any exposure is educational and a worthy cause.
This book had me thinking about trauma and abuse, and how we respond to it as children and then as we grow into teenagers and adults.
Well done to the author for writing a book based on this subject, the more exposure the better.
July 10, 2023
Based on a true life story and all I can say is WOW. What a heartbreaking, turmoil, traumatic life you have suffered during your childhood years. Nobody and I mean nobody should have to go through and experience what you have had to endure.
It’s not often you read a book about someone you have known but my god am I so glad that you are still here, living and what a BRAVE woman you are! Jade, it makes me so happy that I worked alongside you at ETS. You are truly inspirational.
This book is one of the most heart wrenching, emotional books that I have read. It shows many, many flaws within social services and how Jade and others have been let down by the system.
A tough but gripping read and I would highly recommend.
It’s not often you read a book about someone you have known but my god am I so glad that you are still here, living and what a BRAVE woman you are! Jade, it makes me so happy that I worked alongside you at ETS. You are truly inspirational.
This book is one of the most heart wrenching, emotional books that I have read. It shows many, many flaws within social services and how Jade and others have been let down by the system.
A tough but gripping read and I would highly recommend.
June 24, 2021
The Bad Room. by Jade Kelly.
This is a very powerful story told by the person who went through it! From her young life of living with her mother who was not always there in mind and body. The long history of Social Services being involved but a surprise to many readers will be their lack of protection Jade was given from them. It goes through the abuse she suffered by the hands of those meant to protect her and the others there! Not just the physical abuse they suffered but a lot of mental abuse too!
Congratulations to Jade Kelly for being able to come out the other side …very much from a life that has scars but a strong will!
This is a very powerful story told by the person who went through it! From her young life of living with her mother who was not always there in mind and body. The long history of Social Services being involved but a surprise to many readers will be their lack of protection Jade was given from them. It goes through the abuse she suffered by the hands of those meant to protect her and the others there! Not just the physical abuse they suffered but a lot of mental abuse too!
Congratulations to Jade Kelly for being able to come out the other side …very much from a life that has scars but a strong will!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews