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The Lost Boy: Carl has a crushing secret. With nowhere to turn, can Maggie help get to the truth?
He looked lost and sad, I felt so sorry for him.'What's going to happen to me?' he asked quietly. 'My dad doesn't like me. I'm never going home again.Teenager Carl arrives on foster carer Maggie Hartley's doorstep following a terrible row with his father. Quiet, withdrawn and unhappy, Carl refuses to talk about his home life, and Maggie finds herself at a loss as to how to help this vulnerable, lost boy. It's clear that there's a very heavy burden resting on Carl's young shoulders, but with the boy refusing to confide in anyone, and with concerns about his mental health growing by the day, Maggie begins to feel desperate.A chance discovery in Carl's room finally reveals the truth behind the boy's anguish, and despite all her years of experience as a foster carer, Carl's secret is unlike anything Maggie has ever had to deal with before. Can Maggie help this confused and unhappy boy share the truth behind his misery? And can Carl ever find a way to move beyond his pain to live a happy, normal life?A true story of hope from Sunday Times bestselling author Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years.'An amazing inspiration' 5* Amazon reader review
- GenresFosteringNonfiction
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2021
109 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 13, 2021
Very predictable
August 28, 2025
This was a short book by Maggie Hartley, although even though it was a short book it had a powerful message. This is about a teenage boy called Carl who got into a heated argument with his father on New Year’s Day which resulted in his dad kicking him out the house and went into foster care where Maggie took care of him. Carl was a shy withdrawn teenage boy who didn’t think his dad loved him and he didn’t want to go back home to live with his father as he felt his father didn’t accept him. What Carl has been thinking left me speechless and how it made him have suicidal thoughts, I’m not going to let on what happened as that’s for you to read and find out!
Overall great short story in which I said had a powerful message that you need to do what’s best for you to make you feel happy in your own skin.
A quote that I took from this book that really struck me was:
“You can force the lid on the bottle and try to contain it, but that can do more harm than good.”
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall great short story in which I said had a powerful message that you need to do what’s best for you to make you feel happy in your own skin.
A quote that I took from this book that really struck me was:
“You can force the lid on the bottle and try to contain it, but that can do more harm than good.”
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 19, 2021
I was aware of the subject matter (the foster child that is a sixteen year old boy with gender dysphoria) of this 'novella' before I started reading it, and I honestly questioned whether a novella was really an appropriate length to explore such issues. Of course the reason for this is because Carl/Amy were not actually with Maggie for that long. It's one of the downsides to this type of memoir, of course we are really interested in the life of the focus of the memoir, which is generally the foster kids, but the 'protagonist' is actually the foster carer, so you only get the glimpse that they get. Obviously, the life Amy will lead would be of interest, but Maggie was only in that first chapter of her journey. Ultimately that is what it is like being a foster parent at times, so in fact it being so short gives you a glimpse of that reality.
March 12, 2021
The Lost Boy. by Maggie Hartley.
A short read .. but that takes nothing away from the story. It is about a teenage boy called Carl who finds himself taken to Maggie’s house after a falling out with his father. He comes with a head full of problems.
But I can’t spoil it for you by telling ...... It is a book that will following in the lines of only Maggie can tell! Great book ... Terrific author.
A short read .. but that takes nothing away from the story. It is about a teenage boy called Carl who finds himself taken to Maggie’s house after a falling out with his father. He comes with a head full of problems.
But I can’t spoil it for you by telling ...... It is a book that will following in the lines of only Maggie can tell! Great book ... Terrific author.
June 17, 2023
little me felt so healed by this, seeing a trans child be loved and supported
As someone who was abused, bullied and rejected from a very young age for being a transgender child, both by some kids but mostly by the adults in my life like relatives, teachers and other parents, it felt so healing to hear a story of another trans youth who was supported and loved and who received the help and guidance they deserved. So many trans youth face rejection and abuse by their families simply for being who they are - I still remember going to bed at night as a little boy silently sobbing, trying not to move because of the lumps and cuts on my head, the hair that had been pulled out, the marks and bruises all over my scared little body. And sadly so many people have stories just like mine. So it was so healing to read a story that was different, a story that shows trans joy and the power of radical acceptance. I hope Amy is living a truly amazing life surrounded by people who adore and value her, and I hope that every trans and queer person reading this who has a story like mine feels a little healed and that their little selves can be more at peace
As someone who was abused, bullied and rejected from a very young age for being a transgender child, both by some kids but mostly by the adults in my life like relatives, teachers and other parents, it felt so healing to hear a story of another trans youth who was supported and loved and who received the help and guidance they deserved. So many trans youth face rejection and abuse by their families simply for being who they are - I still remember going to bed at night as a little boy silently sobbing, trying not to move because of the lumps and cuts on my head, the hair that had been pulled out, the marks and bruises all over my scared little body. And sadly so many people have stories just like mine. So it was so healing to read a story that was different, a story that shows trans joy and the power of radical acceptance. I hope Amy is living a truly amazing life surrounded by people who adore and value her, and I hope that every trans and queer person reading this who has a story like mine feels a little healed and that their little selves can be more at peace
February 19, 2025
Book Review:
The Lost Boy by Maggie Hartley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this poignant true story, foster carer Maggie Hartley welcomes Carl, a withdrawn teenager who arrives after a severe argument with his father. Carl is quiet and refuses to discuss his home life, leaving Maggie concerned about his mental health. A surprising discovery in Carl’s room unveils a secret about his gender identity, a situation new to Maggie despite her extensive experience. The narrative explores themes of acceptance, understanding, and the challenges faced by transgender youth.
The Lost Boy is a touching account that highlights the importance of compassion and support for young individuals grappling with their identity. Maggie Hartley’s story offers hope and insight into the transformative power of empathy in fostering environments.
Enjoy books like this that explore these themes? Join us at Fostering, Memoirs and Fiction Book Club on Facebook! Connect with fellow book lovers and authors as we dive into new releases, anticipated reads, and timeless favourites. We’d love for you to be a part of the conversation.
The Lost Boy by Maggie Hartley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this poignant true story, foster carer Maggie Hartley welcomes Carl, a withdrawn teenager who arrives after a severe argument with his father. Carl is quiet and refuses to discuss his home life, leaving Maggie concerned about his mental health. A surprising discovery in Carl’s room unveils a secret about his gender identity, a situation new to Maggie despite her extensive experience. The narrative explores themes of acceptance, understanding, and the challenges faced by transgender youth.
The Lost Boy is a touching account that highlights the importance of compassion and support for young individuals grappling with their identity. Maggie Hartley’s story offers hope and insight into the transformative power of empathy in fostering environments.
Enjoy books like this that explore these themes? Join us at Fostering, Memoirs and Fiction Book Club on Facebook! Connect with fellow book lovers and authors as we dive into new releases, anticipated reads, and timeless favourites. We’d love for you to be a part of the conversation.
June 3, 2021
Heartwrenching
When I was a young boy placed in and out of foster care and gay, just admitting that could have blown your placement. I got caught in bed with my foster brother but it was both of our ideas. Thank God Amy had Maggie. I wished I would have had a Maggie type foster parent. Thanks for sharing Amy's story
When I was a young boy placed in and out of foster care and gay, just admitting that could have blown your placement. I got caught in bed with my foster brother but it was both of our ideas. Thank God Amy had Maggie. I wished I would have had a Maggie type foster parent. Thanks for sharing Amy's story
April 11, 2021
I have enjoyed every book, that I have read from Maggie Hartley.
I really enjoyed how she worked with Amy going through her transition. It is so hard for people to find and be their authentic self.
I really enjoyed how she worked with Amy going through her transition. It is so hard for people to find and be their authentic self.
May 26, 2021
Another Fab book
Maggie has done it again. Another great book about a young child who thinks he should have been borne a girl and how his father reacted to the news. Am sure you will love it
Maggie has done it again. Another great book about a young child who thinks he should have been borne a girl and how his father reacted to the news. Am sure you will love it
June 18, 2021
Transgender
The Lost Boy by Maggie Hartley handles the difficult subject of Transgenderism very well. It was a very interesting story. I do recommend it as a good book on the subject.
The Lost Boy by Maggie Hartley handles the difficult subject of Transgenderism very well. It was a very interesting story. I do recommend it as a good book on the subject.
July 18, 2021
Wow
I have trouble with this but I'm trying to understand since I have a granddaughter who is gay. I pray for these people Maggie shares with us. Having friends who are in social service all phases plus knowing kids in care. It is a calling. Thank you Maggie for sharing.
I have trouble with this but I'm trying to understand since I have a granddaughter who is gay. I pray for these people Maggie shares with us. Having friends who are in social service all phases plus knowing kids in care. It is a calling. Thank you Maggie for sharing.
March 11, 2021
Amazing Read.
I read this book in 4 hours. Maggie has yet again proved how valuable she is to vulnerable children and young people. Book was great.
I read this book in 4 hours. Maggie has yet again proved how valuable she is to vulnerable children and young people. Book was great.
March 13, 2021
Another brilliant short story from Maggie Hartley. I had a feeling where this was going and really enjoyed it. Definitely recommend it.
March 14, 2021
A Learning Experience
I learn so much from Maggie Hartley. Glad she chose to share this case. Maggie exemplifies the concept of unconditional positive regard.
I learn so much from Maggie Hartley. Glad she chose to share this case. Maggie exemplifies the concept of unconditional positive regard.
March 15, 2021
Short story told of one of Maggie's foster children. It is an eye opening tale which I'm not going to mention due to spoilers. Enough to say, it's a great read. Well done again Maggie.
March 18, 2021
Carl
Once again a 5 star review for Maggies book this poor child thrown out by dad and ended up in Maggies care took Maggie time to work out what was wrong a great read x
Once again a 5 star review for Maggies book this poor child thrown out by dad and ended up in Maggies care took Maggie time to work out what was wrong a great read x
April 9, 2021
Great book
Anther brilliant book by Maggie Hartly the amazing work and dedication to children and young people in care and what they go through
Anther brilliant book by Maggie Hartly the amazing work and dedication to children and young people in care and what they go through
April 16, 2021
The lost boy
What a sad story. Thank goodness her Social Worker and Maggie had been so understanding. I wish Amy every happiness in her new life.
What a sad story. Thank goodness her Social Worker and Maggie had been so understanding. I wish Amy every happiness in her new life.
April 25, 2021
Good book
May 4, 2024
It had a really good message. The writing could have been more descriptive in my opinion, but it was still a nice book.
September 11, 2024
lovely
What a lovely book about bravery self acceptance and breaking out of the shell of life to fully live your best life as you. Such a beautiful story
What a lovely book about bravery self acceptance and breaking out of the shell of life to fully live your best life as you. Such a beautiful story
January 31, 2026
so touching
This was a real story. A story of bravery and strength. It was so emotional and heart touching. I love all her books
This was a real story. A story of bravery and strength. It was so emotional and heart touching. I love all her books
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews