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Labeled: Ward of the State
An abandoned child of drug-addicted parents and Florida's broken child-welfare system, Kenisha E. Anthony was left to wonder if anyone would ever want her. As a young girl, desperate for love and belonging, she bounced from one unstable home to the next, packing only resentment, abandonment, and heartbreak to take with her. Still, Kenisha found her way, ultimately breaking barriers and shattering statistics. Against advice to "just get a GED," she earned both an undergraduate and graduate degree with the aid of tuition exemption per Florida Statute 1009.25(1)(d), a resource for children aging out of foster care. As an advocate for change in the child welfare system, she found her voice in the presence of state legislators and earned a name as a dynamic professional and change-maker in the field of social work.
Kenisha shines a spotlight on life through the lens of a survivor with a vivid portrait of her journey from victim to victor, rising above hardships that could have easily left her defeated and destitute. This is a story of triumph, redemption, and the will to become more than just a Ward of the State. Teeming with vulnerability, candor, and wisdom, this unfiltered reflection of Kenisha's life is, fittingly, more than a memoir. It is a social awareness tool for anyone who's faced adversity, beat the odds, and refused to be labeled.
Kenisha shines a spotlight on life through the lens of a survivor with a vivid portrait of her journey from victim to victor, rising above hardships that could have easily left her defeated and destitute. This is a story of triumph, redemption, and the will to become more than just a Ward of the State. Teeming with vulnerability, candor, and wisdom, this unfiltered reflection of Kenisha's life is, fittingly, more than a memoir. It is a social awareness tool for anyone who's faced adversity, beat the odds, and refused to be labeled.
286 pages, ebook
First published January 15, 2020
10 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 29, 2025
Solid read. The Zion lore drop at the end got me. I really thought we were gonna have a much happier ending but alas it’s almost like that was the whole point🤯🤯🤯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2020
I could barely put down this book. Kenisha does a great job at capturing the reader's attention while not only sharing her story but also sharing the sad truth of a broken system. It is a book for anyone interested in learning more about the child welfare system and for anyone who wants to make a difference in the life of a child.
June 6, 2020
Informative and Heartbreaking
This memoir takes the reader on a journey with Kenosha as she experiences abandonment and rejection from every angle. I was so emotional reading this book because I work with students who are wards of the state placed in foster care. I enjoyed going on this journey with Kenisha. I loved how the words painted her vivid, raw truth on each page of this book. I loved her resilience and fight. She faced some many disappointments but she kept fighting. I plan to purchase a copy of this memoir to add to my classroom library. I highly recommend this book to educators who teach students in foster care. I became overjoyed reading about her educational journey because I work with students that society says won't be productive citizens because of their learning or behavior disabilities. Thanks Kenisha for trying to see the foster system from a different lens. Your story makes me wonder how different the state of MS is from FL. Thanks for seeking to create change and become a part of the solution. I would love to purchase a few more copies to give to the foster students I have because this story is a story of hope. This is a must read.
This memoir takes the reader on a journey with Kenosha as she experiences abandonment and rejection from every angle. I was so emotional reading this book because I work with students who are wards of the state placed in foster care. I enjoyed going on this journey with Kenisha. I loved how the words painted her vivid, raw truth on each page of this book. I loved her resilience and fight. She faced some many disappointments but she kept fighting. I plan to purchase a copy of this memoir to add to my classroom library. I highly recommend this book to educators who teach students in foster care. I became overjoyed reading about her educational journey because I work with students that society says won't be productive citizens because of their learning or behavior disabilities. Thanks Kenisha for trying to see the foster system from a different lens. Your story makes me wonder how different the state of MS is from FL. Thanks for seeking to create change and become a part of the solution. I would love to purchase a few more copies to give to the foster students I have because this story is a story of hope. This is a must read.
April 8, 2020
This story highlights the resilience of a young woman who defied all odds in reaching her personal and professional goals. She is the definition of a true success story. Once I started, I could not put the book down. I recommend Kenisha’s memoir to everyone and anyone!
February 18, 2020
Honest. Vulnerable. Inspiring. Liberating. Beautiful.
I LOVED! Everything about Kenisha’s memoir. She was honest about her story and struggles and how she overcame them. She respectfully points out the flaws in the foster care system, the individuals who play a part in it, and calls to action a need for change. I’m a college undergrad graduating with a Public Health Degree. Viewing my own life experiences and others from a public health perspective, I empathize with the reality that there are many policies, practices, and resources in place to ensure a child grows up resilient, but the individuals playing a role in these services fail to adequately do their part for a number of reasons. Kenisha’s story is one of thousands affected by the foster care system and other stakeholders involved. It not only continued to bring to light the need for change in the social welfare system, but also inspired and solidified so many goals I want to accomplish is the world of Public Service or improving others lives.
I LOVED! Everything about Kenisha’s memoir. She was honest about her story and struggles and how she overcame them. She respectfully points out the flaws in the foster care system, the individuals who play a part in it, and calls to action a need for change. I’m a college undergrad graduating with a Public Health Degree. Viewing my own life experiences and others from a public health perspective, I empathize with the reality that there are many policies, practices, and resources in place to ensure a child grows up resilient, but the individuals playing a role in these services fail to adequately do their part for a number of reasons. Kenisha’s story is one of thousands affected by the foster care system and other stakeholders involved. It not only continued to bring to light the need for change in the social welfare system, but also inspired and solidified so many goals I want to accomplish is the world of Public Service or improving others lives.
May 26, 2020
A tale of emptiness, longing to be cared for, challenges, decision-making, triumph, disappointment, and boldness. I highly recommend this book to every case manager, foster parent, teacher, youth leader, school board member, and anyone else that makes decisions for our youth. Kenisha does an excellent job at captivating the reader with this tale navigating through life in, and aging out of, the foster care system in Florida. She not only exposes the brokenness, but highlights exactly where changes can be made.
Labeled teaches us about the unseen issues that trouble many of our youth face, whether in the foster care system or stuck in a broken home. We learn to pay close attention to those changes we see in the kids we care about and to advocate for them when no one is listening.
Labeled teaches us about the unseen issues that trouble many of our youth face, whether in the foster care system or stuck in a broken home. We learn to pay close attention to those changes we see in the kids we care about and to advocate for them when no one is listening.
September 6, 2020
Amazing book! I felt as if I lived through these experiences with her. Kenisha was very vulnerable and open throughout the entire book. You get a glimpse of how she was treated in each home she was placed in. You get to experience not only the things that hurt her growing up, but also the simple things that brought her joy. It hurts me that the things she went through are many other kids reality. I am so happy and proud that she over came all of her obstacles and was able to create this incredible piece of work. Definitely going to read again!! I wish nothing but the best for Kenisha she has endured so much and is very strong. May god bless her.
January 31, 2020
This book was riveting. It was heartbreaking but also triumphant and inspiring!
The author lays bare the weaknesses of the child welfare system in a way to open our eyes, to get us to listen if we care to. I hope this book will lead to open conversation about the changes we are all capable to make and therefore, positive change to a system that should have the children in mind at every turn.
More importantly, it is the story of a woman taking charge of her future despite the lack of options and control her younger self was afforded.
The author lays bare the weaknesses of the child welfare system in a way to open our eyes, to get us to listen if we care to. I hope this book will lead to open conversation about the changes we are all capable to make and therefore, positive change to a system that should have the children in mind at every turn.
More importantly, it is the story of a woman taking charge of her future despite the lack of options and control her younger self was afforded.
October 1, 2020
I found this book to be well thought out and well written. To the author Kenisha Anthony I am proud of you not letting the things you encounter in life effect you. This book open my eyes to see how broken our system is and let me apologize to you I am sorry you had to encounter so much but it was predestined for you to be a advocate for the children's that currently in the system. Continue to fight and write looking forward to you writing more about your life experiences. A MUST READ!
October 28, 2020
I enjoyed the fact that this book was raw and authentic.
I loved how the author broadcast not only the things that goes on behind the scenes of the children and families system but how it really affect children that have these experiences. It’s not an argument.. HUSH and LISTEN.
Even though the author found her way, some kids probably will not and have not because of lack of direction and overload on case workers.
I loved how the author broadcast not only the things that goes on behind the scenes of the children and families system but how it really affect children that have these experiences. It’s not an argument.. HUSH and LISTEN.
Even though the author found her way, some kids probably will not and have not because of lack of direction and overload on case workers.
November 26, 2022
Reading this I was angry for Kenisha. I was hurt and heartbroken for Kenisha. I reflected on my own trauma, working at a girls group home, working with social services and other agencies and now working for juvenile probation. I wanted so bad to hug and be there for Kenisha every time she was let down. Also, I wanted to celebrate her every time she made a new accomplishment! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and most defiantly recommend it!
April 13, 2020
This book! Inspiring and eye opening just begin to describe what this book has to offer. A first hand experience of the good and bad of our foster care system truly allows you a small glimpse into the life long effects each small step of the process has on foster youth. Coming from a broken home, words can not express my thanks to Kenisha for her well written honesty and rawness. A must read!
April 12, 2020
Ms. Anthony has the unique experience of both foster youth and child welfare case manager. It's interesting to explore her reconciliation of the two. This book could be a very useful tool in delivering a social work curriculum.
December 16, 2020
This book is nothing short of amazing. I was intrigued from start to finish. Kenisha’s life story is inspiring and motivating. Her passion to advocate for foster kids and those impacted by a broken failed system is incredible. It’s a great read!
March 6, 2021
For anyone involved or interested in the foster care system this book is a must read. Even for those not interested, this book provides a much needed voice to the problems that are present in the Justice system today.
October 15, 2020
Kenisha, this book is amazing. You have helped me learn so much about the state from a working stand point. Thank you, we need a sequel.
May 12, 2023
The subject matter made this a difficult read. However, this is an honest, unvarnished, true story of a journey through the foster system, from childhood through young adulthood.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews