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Just Another Slice - a Foster Care Story Based on True Events. No Place for Me
Every foster child deserves a voice. This is mine.
In Just Another Slice, nine-year-old Sarah Bailey tries to survive in a family full of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse while at the same time trying to protect her younger brother Curtis. Sarah learns that asking for Just Another Slice of toast is not the only thing in her life she will be denied. Yet, in a world full of cruelty, she finds kindness and happiness in the most unsuspecting people, places, and things.
Sarah and Curtis’s foster care story is based on actual events about Dr. Sharon Zaffarese-Dippold and her brother, Carl. In this book, Sarah and Curtis learn they are foster children. Join their journey of laughter, pain, hope, and resiliency. You will see, hear and feel what Sarah and Curtis does throughout this sad and inspiring story of not just surviving but thriving.
In Just Another Slice, nine-year-old Sarah Bailey tries to survive in a family full of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse while at the same time trying to protect her younger brother Curtis. Sarah learns that asking for Just Another Slice of toast is not the only thing in her life she will be denied. Yet, in a world full of cruelty, she finds kindness and happiness in the most unsuspecting people, places, and things.
Sarah and Curtis’s foster care story is based on actual events about Dr. Sharon Zaffarese-Dippold and her brother, Carl. In this book, Sarah and Curtis learn they are foster children. Join their journey of laughter, pain, hope, and resiliency. You will see, hear and feel what Sarah and Curtis does throughout this sad and inspiring story of not just surviving but thriving.
242 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2022
459 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 29, 2024
I won this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.
First off, this genre is not for everyone. There are many triggers for those who have suffered trauma.
That said, I enjoy stories that make me feel deeply, empathize and connect with the main character. This story didn’t take long to hook me. The story moved along quickly and had both tender and horrifying moments. The ending was disappointing as I assumed we would follow the two children from one foster care placement to another rather than end abruptly with none of our questions answered. But, if the point was to leave us thinking about the story and asking questions, then mission accomplished. This story uses fictitious characters and a compilation of actual things that have happened to children in foster care. This was not clear to me until the end of the story. I still gave it 5 stars because my preference for a more complete ending and true memoirs does not overshadow the fact that this book was well written and pulled me in.
First off, this genre is not for everyone. There are many triggers for those who have suffered trauma.
That said, I enjoy stories that make me feel deeply, empathize and connect with the main character. This story didn’t take long to hook me. The story moved along quickly and had both tender and horrifying moments. The ending was disappointing as I assumed we would follow the two children from one foster care placement to another rather than end abruptly with none of our questions answered. But, if the point was to leave us thinking about the story and asking questions, then mission accomplished. This story uses fictitious characters and a compilation of actual things that have happened to children in foster care. This was not clear to me until the end of the story. I still gave it 5 stars because my preference for a more complete ending and true memoirs does not overshadow the fact that this book was well written and pulled me in.
November 20, 2023
Could not put this book down!!!
January 13, 2024
Sorrowful
This paints a picture that is disturbing and painful. So mush heartache. Children should never have to experience such trauma, mentally and physically.
This paints a picture that is disturbing and painful. So mush heartache. Children should never have to experience such trauma, mentally and physically.
Read
December 18, 2023Very touching
I feel sad for every foster child. This and worse probably happens every day. I don't know how anyone makes good of it.
I feel sad for every foster child. This and worse probably happens every day. I don't know how anyone makes good of it.
December 21, 2024
I’ll recommend this one for sure, but I will give you a LOT of TRIGGER WARNINGS!
This is based on a true story of a young girl in foster care. She tells her account as a 9 year old child in a foster home that was less than pleasant. So many trigger warnings. If you have any triggers, this book probably touches on them. The way this little girl was talked to, was treated, was neglected. It is almost hard to believe. Upon finishing it, I did learn that she has a whole 5 book series. I will definitely read the next 4. I must follow her journey! As a teacher, this really reinforced my belief that sometimes, I am the only bright spot in a child’s whole day. Her teacher, Mrs. Young was a Godsend for her!
I did find the grammar in this book a little confusing. Just let it go and you kind of get used to it after a while. It is what it is. The more important piece is the telling of the story.
This is based on a true story of a young girl in foster care. She tells her account as a 9 year old child in a foster home that was less than pleasant. So many trigger warnings. If you have any triggers, this book probably touches on them. The way this little girl was talked to, was treated, was neglected. It is almost hard to believe. Upon finishing it, I did learn that she has a whole 5 book series. I will definitely read the next 4. I must follow her journey! As a teacher, this really reinforced my belief that sometimes, I am the only bright spot in a child’s whole day. Her teacher, Mrs. Young was a Godsend for her!
I did find the grammar in this book a little confusing. Just let it go and you kind of get used to it after a while. It is what it is. The more important piece is the telling of the story.
August 8, 2023
Heart wrenching and informative.
I would recommended this book.to everyone who loves children. They would be able to help foster kids being abused by assuring them that telling the truth is safe. They could call a police officer and child protective services to have them removed immediately. It makes me want to learn if I could help the foster care program; even though I'm disabled and can't foster.I think all state foster home regulators should read these books, make it a requirement for everyone working in foster care,& foster parents to read before taking children. Teachers need to know who are foster kids & to report signs of possible abuse at once.
I would recommended this book.to everyone who loves children. They would be able to help foster kids being abused by assuring them that telling the truth is safe. They could call a police officer and child protective services to have them removed immediately. It makes me want to learn if I could help the foster care program; even though I'm disabled and can't foster.I think all state foster home regulators should read these books, make it a requirement for everyone working in foster care,& foster parents to read before taking children. Teachers need to know who are foster kids & to report signs of possible abuse at once.
July 14, 2025
Good but needed more
Powerful and emotive, good personal account of foster parent abuse, really felt for the children, and quesrioned the role of the Social worker?! Would have given 5 stars but although the ending gives the impression adulthood has been sucessful, id have liked to have known more about the relationship with her dad after, did she maintain any contact? What happened to curtis? What was his outcome? What other lived experiences was there , great but ended too soon for me
Powerful and emotive, good personal account of foster parent abuse, really felt for the children, and quesrioned the role of the Social worker?! Would have given 5 stars but although the ending gives the impression adulthood has been sucessful, id have liked to have known more about the relationship with her dad after, did she maintain any contact? What happened to curtis? What was his outcome? What other lived experiences was there , great but ended too soon for me
April 28, 2024
Healing from the past can happen to you!
As a nurse and Social Service Provider, I have witnessed the severe and horrifying degrees of abuse that really happens As a survivor of abuse from a uncle, I too could recall painful memories. But I also remember the day when healing came to my mind, soul, and spirit. I am no longer in pain as I share my story with others who need to heal. All nurses and Social Workers and CASA workers should read this book.
As a nurse and Social Service Provider, I have witnessed the severe and horrifying degrees of abuse that really happens As a survivor of abuse from a uncle, I too could recall painful memories. But I also remember the day when healing came to my mind, soul, and spirit. I am no longer in pain as I share my story with others who need to heal. All nurses and Social Workers and CASA workers should read this book.
September 3, 2024
Tears at the end
What a well written story, the heartbreak of what a little girl and her brother suffered at the hands of those who was supposed to look after them.
I loved the fact pictures was included to bring the reader in to the book. I didn't want to stop reading.
I don't ever remember crying at a book but wow the end was heartbroken that love and bond that was built up.
What a well written story, the heartbreak of what a little girl and her brother suffered at the hands of those who was supposed to look after them.
I loved the fact pictures was included to bring the reader in to the book. I didn't want to stop reading.
I don't ever remember crying at a book but wow the end was heartbroken that love and bond that was built up.
January 19, 2026
3⭐️ It is too sad it is the author’s real experience. I can imagine how pain and helpless she felt. She may believe that all things happen is her fault and blame herself.
——
Derek. He told me I was a foster child after he hurt me, And I didn’t ask him what it meant. Now I know. A single tear slides down my cheek. It means you do not have a Mommy or Daddy who love you. It means you have no family. You have no one. That is what it means to be a foster child, someone with no one that is trash.
——
——
Derek. He told me I was a foster child after he hurt me, And I didn’t ask him what it meant. Now I know. A single tear slides down my cheek. It means you do not have a Mommy or Daddy who love you. It means you have no family. You have no one. That is what it means to be a foster child, someone with no one that is trash.
——
February 22, 2026
This story was so so sad. The trauma this child has endured while with a foster family. Just breaks my heart. There is just so much. No child should ever suffer like this. It was fast paced. Easy to read. But very traumatic. I hate the way the foster system is for some people, Children do not deserve this kind of treatment. The fact that this girl did not know what was happening just rips you apart. I just couldn't put it down. I was constantly thinking about this little girl.
September 26, 2022
I think the writing is excellent. Sharon and Melissa did a great job writing about Sharon's first foster care placement. However, Melissa is not listed as a co-author and that is legally and ethically wrong for Dr. Dippold to take the book they wrote together and publish it herself without giving Melissa credit for her work.
March 27, 2023
I just finished this wonderful book! Obviously the story is sad and no child should have to even have these experiences. I was bawling in the end while she said goodbye to her “Daddy” and I noticed she named her son after him. Made me cry some more lol. Kiddos to Sarah aka Dolly kuddos for such such impressive accomplishments as an adult!! You show em’ lady!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2024
A good non fiction that documents a short span in the writer’s life within the system. Made me sad that our system is so broken for the children. The rest of the story is spread over subsequent books, which is a little annoying. I would rather have one book than having to spend time getting the other books in the series to complete the story
April 26, 2023
Such a Sad Story
Unfortunately for a slew of foster children the accounts of this story could be anyone of them.
The curiosity I have is what happened to Curtis? Did Sarah go back after turning eighteen to see Joseph? Hopefully Donna did not foster anymore children.
Unfortunately for a slew of foster children the accounts of this story could be anyone of them.
The curiosity I have is what happened to Curtis? Did Sarah go back after turning eighteen to see Joseph? Hopefully Donna did not foster anymore children.
July 1, 2023
Trigger warning. Wow what an eye opening book. The author draws you in to the life of fostercare. How some foster parents can be. How she herself pushes forward, has strength and the will for survive what comes her way. I laughed and cried. Recommend to anyone.
Read
November 5, 2023Hard to read
I'm sure the the book is good only read about half the subject matter was to difficult for me. I know it as based on a true story and that's why I couldn't finish trade it the horrors that one or more persons can inflict on the innocent is too hard. The
I'm sure the the book is good only read about half the subject matter was to difficult for me. I know it as based on a true story and that's why I couldn't finish trade it the horrors that one or more persons can inflict on the innocent is too hard. The
January 15, 2024
Great Read! Loads of emotions
I felt every emotion of Sarah. She is so strong and beautiful souled. The bond between her and Curtis wow. This book really makes a person think of how many children are suffering a similar situation 💔 really sad
I felt every emotion of Sarah. She is so strong and beautiful souled. The bond between her and Curtis wow. This book really makes a person think of how many children are suffering a similar situation 💔 really sad
February 11, 2024
Keep your tissues ready
I struggled with her story and found it difficult to read a lot of it in one sitting. The reason was my emotions were so raw at times and I needed to take a break.
Absolutely amazing author to be so honest and open in sharing her story.
I struggled with her story and found it difficult to read a lot of it in one sitting. The reason was my emotions were so raw at times and I needed to take a break.
Absolutely amazing author to be so honest and open in sharing her story.
April 22, 2024
First do no harm
Should be the foster carer’s mantra. Not every foster carer and foster child are a good fit. There should be someone in every district overseeing the carers and making sure they are fit to care for the children. I was a foster carer to 48 children and was lucky to only have one that I loved but he just wasn’t a good fit.
Should be the foster carer’s mantra. Not every foster carer and foster child are a good fit. There should be someone in every district overseeing the carers and making sure they are fit to care for the children. I was a foster carer to 48 children and was lucky to only have one that I loved but he just wasn’t a good fit.
August 2, 2024
Did she ever go back to visit Daddy?
I have not cried reading a book, ever! But the last chapter got the tears rolling. I just wish it would have said if she ever found Daddy when she was 18.
I have not cried reading a book, ever! But the last chapter got the tears rolling. I just wish it would have said if she ever found Daddy when she was 18.
November 10, 2025
Heartbreaking
I read this book in one go and cried as I relived my own childhood trauma and sexual abuse. More needs to be done to help Children failed by the system, in all aspects from Foster Care to children abused in their own homes. This is well worth the read.
I read this book in one go and cried as I relived my own childhood trauma and sexual abuse. More needs to be done to help Children failed by the system, in all aspects from Foster Care to children abused in their own homes. This is well worth the read.
November 11, 2025
Difficult to read, but a must for anyone working with children who have experienced trauma. As a trauma-responsive educator, the author's thoughts and actions so clearly reflect what I teach on a regular basis.
February 4, 2026
great book
This was a great book about the foster system and what children have to deal with in some cases. It was touching to my heart and makes me want to advocate for these children badly. Great book overall!
This was a great book about the foster system and what children have to deal with in some cases. It was touching to my heart and makes me want to advocate for these children badly. Great book overall!
December 23, 2022
What a heartbreaking story.
April 15, 2024
Just another reminder of the broken system we put these. Neatly children in. So sad.
May 5, 2024
very moving story
This is an excellent read. It makes you feel for all the foster children in this country. I would highly recommend it.
This is an excellent read. It makes you feel for all the foster children in this country. I would highly recommend it.
May 22, 2024
Brilliant read
Very good read and would recommend to others, I do wonder though if Sarah ever got back touch with her daddy.
Very good read and would recommend to others, I do wonder though if Sarah ever got back touch with her daddy.
May 30, 2025
Excellent
What a fantastic read this was. However some parts of it where hard to read as they where very upsetting.
What a fantastic read this was. However some parts of it where hard to read as they where very upsetting.
July 9, 2025
So hard to read, knowing this actually happened. So sad that people can be so cruel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews