Sky's Story

Thrown Away Children #5

by Louise Allen

When Sky and her older sister Avril were taken into care, the social workers knew this was a case like no other. Raised by troubled parents who hoarded compulsively, creating horrific conditions no child should live in, the two girls arrived at foster carer Louise's home, neglected, malnourished, and indoctrinated. Louise had to draw on all of her experience as one of Britain's leading foster carers to rehabilitate and change the course of their lives.

But with constant attempts to thwart her work, Louise ends up under siege in her own home. Will she succeed or is their fate sealed forever?

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Memoir, Fostering, Biography

304 pages, Paperback

Published May 3, 2022

About the author

From an early age, Louise was adopted into a family who, from the beginning, said they didn’t want her. Her first book, Thrown Away Child, reveals the abuse and neglect she and a fellow adopted child suffered at the hands of their adopted mother, Barbara. Ten years ago, Louise and her family became a fostering family. They have looked after over twenty children, some have stayed long term. This led to the bestselling series, Thrown Away Children, where Louise is inspired by the stories of children in the care system. Within days, the book became a bestseller.

Louise now draws on her experience to write a new series of ‘How to’ books about adoption, fostering and parenting. How to Adopt a Child is the unvarnished truth about adoption. Louise is well known for “saying it as it is,” so not only is it witty and engaging, it also empowers adopters to feel confident and in control and to know where to turn to for help.

Reviews

[René · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes you can tell when a book wasn't written for the right reasons. For example, using dehumanising language when trying to describe neglected children, or constantly trying to justify wanting to give up these children instead of helping them. This book left a really bad taste in my mouth.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book from Louise Allen.

A very sad story of two broken sisters. These type of books are heartbreaking, but lots of times have a really good ending. It's always sad to read what troubles some children go through,but great to read there is someone there to help them. I will be reading more from this author in the future.

[Kelly Ferrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky’s Story. by Louise Allen.
Have only read a couple of this authors books as they are expensive but found this one a great read .. start and finished the same day!
Sky and her older sister Avril have been brought to the attention of the authorities by neighbours and the school that Avril should be attending! When the authorities attempt to find out if these girls are alright they face a barrage of abuse from their mum. Eventually they are brought to Louise to look after …. Louise faces a uphill battle to help these girl … can she overcome all the obstacles being put in place to thwart her job!

[Shanette Logan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fake

A quick Google search and now I know this woman is a fake. She is not a foster carer at all. She is a British romance novelist who is in her 70's.
I don't know about her romance novels but her foster care books are hideous. Shame on her

[mary munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it fown

Right from the beginning I was drawn into the book and soon found myself absorbed, it's a very compelling g read and gives a good aspect of what foster carers have to do I all aspects of their job both good and bad, I highly recommend this book

[Julie Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read. The story is very well told and I struggled to put it down at times. The story of Sky and her sister Avril who were both fostered by Louise details how they were removed from their parent’s home malnourished and unclean. The house was totally full of rubbish and they rarely left the house. Sky marvelled at the new experiences Louise introduced her to (a banana, a trip to the supermarket, etc). However their mother’s interference made it very difficult for Louise at times. Makes me hold foster carers in very high regard.

[Susan Crabtree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look into life in a foster family

This book was an interesting view of some of the events that are experienced in a foster family. There is quite a bit of description of the requirements a family must do in caring for the children entrusted to them, in addition to the experiences with Sky and her older sister who were placed in the family. There is suspense, conflict with the birth mother, and quite a lot of joy as well. Enjoyable overall.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love books by Cathy Glass, Casey Watson, Rosie Lewis and Maggie Hartley. I found Louise Allen's books in the same category and thought I would give one a try. Unfortunately, I found that Allen seems more focused on complaining about the system than in telling the story of the children. I don't doubt that improvements could be made but it's tiring to read about it page after page. I'll stick to the others... and if anyone knows of other authors along the same vein, please recommend!

[Georgina Abbotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

the amount of tears I shed for Avril and Sky I know what manipulation is like I honestly felt for these girls they had such an awful start and the amount of years Avril was manipulated by her own mother and her mother turning the girls on one and another this complex case must have been heart wrenching for Louise and family I really hope the girls find themselves and take their own route in knowing what there mum did to them was wrong I honestly admire Avril for forgiving her mum

[Ian Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a tough book to read specially due to kind of parents the mother and father were. Louise and the family did their best to help Avril and Sky specially with what Hannah was putting them through. Carers like Louise and her family are really needed. How a mother can use children the way she did was just terrible.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts

So many thoughts went on in my mind while I read this. It was horrid what Hannah did to Avril and Sky. Plus what she imposed upon Louise and her family. I wonder if this only happened in England or does this occur in the U.S. also? It is so very sad but very interesting reading. I recommend this. Read it and think about.

[Pam Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it was so easy to read. I like books about real life situations and this hit the spot. It was very but very uplifting at the same time. I think that it is wonderful what foster people do with systems that are not always easy to work with.

[Marwa Ghazy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this one. I didn't like it at all.
الطريقة اللي ظلت تصف بها جسد الطفلة الصغيرة كانت مروعة ومتكررة، مع التفنن في الوصف في كل مرة بشكلٍ جديد! وكأن القارئ لن يستوعب في كل مرة، فتزيد من وصفها أكثر.

السبب الثاني هو تركيزها وزيادتها في الكلام عن نفسها أكثر من الطفل.
21/11/2023

[Heather Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another tale of a foster care system that failed the children, and in so many ways, the foster carers themselves. This was a story of siblings who endured terrible abuse and neglect but whose lives changes at the Allen’s home and after.

[Rebecca Fowkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Louise. I really enjoyed it, was angry and sad in places. Definitely recommend reading it.

[Elizabeth Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book!

[Sharon Zink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told by a foster mother in Great Britain. A birth mother intrudes ferociously into the life and family of the foster mother. Makes me never want to be a foster mother.

[keeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel ever so sorry for these poor children but I'm also ever so happy for Avril

[Emma Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
An interesting and heart wrenching true story of two sisters. To read the way some parents/families treat their own children is appalling. And to hear how difficult it is for many foster families is so sad, the system seems to be against those trying to help and gives all the rights to those who have hurt, neglected and abused the ones we should be protecting.

[Gail murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book well written. I hope Sky and her sister have a bright futher.

[Kim Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting story. Always amazes me the calmness, patience, and go with the flow attitudes of foster carers. Also amazes me the situations that foster care kiddos have had to endure

[Annika Bjerke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story, but written so terribly I was pretty distracted…

[Alexis Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting story. Every chapter just made me want to keep reading. Can’t believe everything these foster carers went through!

[Sharon Dunfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

sky

An honest book about foster cares doing the best they can. Not a romantic all turns out fine in the end sort of book

[Gay M. Liddington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky’s Story (Thrown Away Children) by Louise Allen tells an account of how two children were removed from their family home and placed in a foster home. She paints a picture of the challenges—for the carer, her family, the system, and the foster children, who seem damaged beyond repair. It’s a book about the neglect and abuse of children and how that charts a course for their life. It’s about resilience of a family who is committed to the care of these children. The author’s skilful style draws the reader in, you become part of the journey, and hope and pray for a positive outcome. It’s a book I couldn’t put down. Five stars, highly recommended.

[Carol Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Well written and could not put this down!! Louise, you are an exceptional human being!! You have so much patience and these children are so Blessed to have you! We need more people like you as a leader in the foster care program.

Keep up the great work!!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

I can see how difficult this was to write. Louise does a superb job of putting it into a story you cannot put down.

[Barbara Beauparlant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing

This book was written with honesty about both the children's story and the foster careers feelings. I have read all her books and can't wait for the next one.