What do you think?
Rate this book
My Dad’s a Policeman
The second novel, and first quick read title, from Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author Cathy Glass. My Dad's a Policeman is a dramatic and engaging story of a young boy with an alcoholic mother. Lonely, bullied and desperate for a life of happiness and security he tells everyone he meets his dad's a policeman. Fast-paced and compelling, this short story from Cathy Glass follows the experiences of a Ryan, a small and lonely 12-year-old boy who struggles to fit in. In an attempt to make friends, and discourage the school bullies from picking on him, Ryan tells his peers that his dad is a policeman. When the police actually turn up on Ryan's doorstep, to take him away from his alcoholic mother and put him in care, his life crumbles. It's not long before Ryan has run away, taking a long bus ride back across the city, desperate to get back to the inner-city life he knows. Keeping a low profile, and sneaking in to his best friend's house late a night for shelter, he soon discovers that he's not the only one who appears to be stretching the truth about the happiness of his home life. Cathy Glass' book 'A Family Torn Apart' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 10-10-2022.
98 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2011
241 people are currently reading
2363 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Glass
179 books2,235 followersCathy Glass is a bestselling British author, freelance writer and foster carer.
Her work is strongly identified with both the True Life Stories and Inspirational Memoirs genres, and she has also written a parenting guide to bringing up children, Happy Kids, and a novel, The Girl in the Mirror, based on a true story.
Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse.
The first title, Damaged, was number 1 in the Sunday Times bestsellers charts in hardback and paperback. Her next three titles, Hidden, Cut and The Saddest Girl in the World, were similarly successful, all reaching the bestseller charts.
The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone.
Her work is strongly identified with both the True Life Stories and Inspirational Memoirs genres, and she has also written a parenting guide to bringing up children, Happy Kids, and a novel, The Girl in the Mirror, based on a true story.
Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse.
The first title, Damaged, was number 1 in the Sunday Times bestsellers charts in hardback and paperback. Her next three titles, Hidden, Cut and The Saddest Girl in the World, were similarly successful, all reaching the bestseller charts.
The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym for author Lisa Stone.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
October 17, 2012
I thought it was really amazing. It really gave you insight into what some kids go through and how tough it is, and it makes you realize that you'll never fully understand what they live through and how it makes them feel.
August 23, 2017
A young adult novel, based on a true story of Ryan who is placed in foster care, as his mother is an alcoholic and can no longer take care of them. Ryan fights to come into terms with the circumstances of his life, being separated from his brother Tommy, from his Mom and from his friend Wayne.
A quick read !
A quick read !
January 1, 2012
I chose this book because the number of the pages is quite small so to finish it before year 2011. It's a true story about a boy named Ryan who had to lived with a foster carer since his mother failed to take care of him and his brother.
It was such a heartbreaking story, but for me it was not strong enough. The story was supposed to be Ryan's experience and it was told from the first person perspective. But then the story-teller was actually not Ryan himself but Cathy who might only know the story from Ryan. It maybe affects the content of the story. A true story usually has very strong emotional waves and this book didn't describe that aspect so much.
For me, the title also doesn't tell so much about the story despite that Ryan thought that his father, whom he never knew, was a policeman. Aside from that, it doesn't connect so much with the story.
But overall it was an okay story to read. At least it opened our eyes that many things like what was told in this book is happening in our society and we shall help those children like Ryan to have a better living in this world.
It was such a heartbreaking story, but for me it was not strong enough. The story was supposed to be Ryan's experience and it was told from the first person perspective. But then the story-teller was actually not Ryan himself but Cathy who might only know the story from Ryan. It maybe affects the content of the story. A true story usually has very strong emotional waves and this book didn't describe that aspect so much.
For me, the title also doesn't tell so much about the story despite that Ryan thought that his father, whom he never knew, was a policeman. Aside from that, it doesn't connect so much with the story.
But overall it was an okay story to read. At least it opened our eyes that many things like what was told in this book is happening in our society and we shall help those children like Ryan to have a better living in this world.
February 12, 2012
Cathy Glass is a foster parent, so she writes this story based on experience.
Ryan never knew his Dad, but he has to tell people something, and that something is in the title. It transpires that his mother may not even know who his Dad was, as he and his much-loved brother, Tommy, were both conceived during drunken one-night stands. His mother is almost ALWAYS drunk.
Ryan is taken into care, and is separated from his brother. He makes plans and runs away. His best friend takes a risk to harbour him.
The pace is fast, and it is easy to read the whole story in one sitting.
I liked this even more as there were reflections of my own childhood. No, my mother was not forever drunk, and I was not taken into care. But my parents split up when I was very young, and I was forever running away. I like to think that those experiences enhanced my education.
This is a good story, and it could easily have been extended to show what happened to the various characters in the following years. Perhaps Cathy Glass will write that story some day.
Ryan never knew his Dad, but he has to tell people something, and that something is in the title. It transpires that his mother may not even know who his Dad was, as he and his much-loved brother, Tommy, were both conceived during drunken one-night stands. His mother is almost ALWAYS drunk.
Ryan is taken into care, and is separated from his brother. He makes plans and runs away. His best friend takes a risk to harbour him.
The pace is fast, and it is easy to read the whole story in one sitting.
I liked this even more as there were reflections of my own childhood. No, my mother was not forever drunk, and I was not taken into care. But my parents split up when I was very young, and I was forever running away. I like to think that those experiences enhanced my education.
This is a good story, and it could easily have been extended to show what happened to the various characters in the following years. Perhaps Cathy Glass will write that story some day.
October 12, 2019
5 out of 5 stars
I was determined to try a Cathy Glass book so thought that by trying on of her shorter books it would ease me in. As a family we fostered so yes this brings back memories. The author tells the child’s story so well that you really are alongside them which in these cases is both important and heartbreaking. This is Ryan’s story and about how he copes with being taken away from his mum. I am so impressed that she does follow on from the books on her website so we know what happens after the story ends. I plan to read a lot more of this authors work.
I was determined to try a Cathy Glass book so thought that by trying on of her shorter books it would ease me in. As a family we fostered so yes this brings back memories. The author tells the child’s story so well that you really are alongside them which in these cases is both important and heartbreaking. This is Ryan’s story and about how he copes with being taken away from his mum. I am so impressed that she does follow on from the books on her website so we know what happens after the story ends. I plan to read a lot more of this authors work.
August 24, 2023
I’ve been a Cathy Glass fan since the first book I ever read of hers. Still am. Always will. And in fact, she’s the one that got me into reading!
And as much as I love her style and the way she puts the words, this one just doesn’t hit as good and the rest of her novels do.
I like the story but I feel like I need more! I need to know the whole thing, not just snippets of it.
And as much as I love her style and the way she puts the words, this one just doesn’t hit as good and the rest of her novels do.
I like the story but I feel like I need more! I need to know the whole thing, not just snippets of it.
December 5, 2019
Really heartwarming nice little story, sounded true? Not sure if it was?
October 22, 2022
I enjoyed this quick read; as it was from the point of the child.
It gave a better understanding to how they may feel about the system when the individual has been informed he will be put into care.
Also gives an understanding to why there are so many runaways, possibly homeless.
It was a very informative and detailed quick read and I enjoyed the story before Cathy Glass takes over (I'm assuming).
It gave a better understanding to how they may feel about the system when the individual has been informed he will be put into care.
Also gives an understanding to why there are so many runaways, possibly homeless.
It was a very informative and detailed quick read and I enjoyed the story before Cathy Glass takes over (I'm assuming).
April 20, 2011
I fancied a quick read "for the road" (actually for the cross-trainer), and this short book served well in that respect, however, it left me wondering who her target audience is with this story; I feel it's too depressing, scary and foul-mouthed for children under the age of 12, and it's a bit trite for teen-agers. Knowing that the author has worked as a foster mum for many years, it obviously adds ample authenticity to the story which makes it even more depressing, really.
January 6, 2013
I was a little confused when I first started the book because I thought it was going to be told by Cathy Glass-about one of her own foster kids. Not to say that I didn't feel for Ryan & Tommy & Wayne but I think I would have liked the book more if it was what I expected. I also enjoy longer books and this one is a quick story.
July 25, 2013
A young thug gets taken into care.
I found this short story unrealistic / too sentimental – the idea that a few kind gestures will transform a bad kid into an angel seems simplistic (and isn’t what I’ve seen in real life).
I found this short story unrealistic / too sentimental – the idea that a few kind gestures will transform a bad kid into an angel seems simplistic (and isn’t what I’ve seen in real life).
March 14, 2013
I really enjoy Cathy Glass, however this was not my favorite of her work. If this happens to be your first experience if Ms. Glass, I strongly urge you to read another before moving on.
January 1, 2022
It wasnt as good as her other books. I felt it was rushed and it had nothing to do with her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2023
The story is very moving (because it's true) but the writing seems like it was written for a 3 year old. Am I missing something?
August 7, 2013
A very different Cathy Glass book, but I enjoyed it very much :)
May 13, 2025
Engels boek. Makkelijk en vlot leesbaar, +/- 97 pagina's.
Het boek vertelt het verhaal van de 12-jarjge Ryan. Hij woont samen met zijn 5-jarig broertje bij zijn mama, maar die is meestal dronken. Ryan zorgt dus meer voor zijn mama dan andersom en probeert het hoofd boven water te houden. Op een dag komt de sociale dienst hem ophalen op school, om hem te brengen naar een pleeggezin. Zijn broertje is op zijn school ook meegenomen, maar wel naar een ander pleeggezin. Ryan kan de gedachte niet verdragen plots meegenomen te worden, geen afscheid van mama en zonder zijn broertje. Hij probeert zo snel mogelijk een plan te verzinnen om het tij te keren, en ontsnapt de eerste avond al bij zijn pleegmoeder. Hij gaat terug naar zijn moeder, maar wordt daar ook bijna onmiddellijk gesnapt door de politie. Met de politie op weg naar een ander pleeggezin slaagt hij erin opnieuw te ontsnappen. Maar daar staat hij dan, midden in de nacht in de vrieskou. Hij kan de eerste nacht terecht bij zijn vriend Wayne, die ook een moeilijke thuissituatie heeft, met een dronken en agressieve vader. De volgende dag dwaalt Ryan rond in de stad met een plan zijn broertje te redden en samen te vluchten. Maar zijn broertje heeft geen interesse in vluchten, hij is blij met zijn pleegmama die voor hem zorgt: eten, warmte, een slaapplek en lieve zorgen.
Wanneer Ryan de tweede nacht bij Wayne wil overnachten en afspreekt, is hij er getuige van hoe Wayne in elkaar geklopt wordt door zijn vader. Ryan kan voor afleiding zorgen, maar moet zelf ook vluchten. Hij Rent eerst naar zijn mama, daarna wordt hij opgepikt en teruggebracht naar zijn pleegmama. Met nieuwe afspraken, en broertje Tommie die daar ook terecht kan, ziet hij de toekomst beter zitten. Mama gaat in rehab. en Wayne komt ook terecht bij een pleeggezin na het laatste geweld van zijn vader.
mooi boek, mooi verteld ❤️
Het boek vertelt het verhaal van de 12-jarjge Ryan. Hij woont samen met zijn 5-jarig broertje bij zijn mama, maar die is meestal dronken. Ryan zorgt dus meer voor zijn mama dan andersom en probeert het hoofd boven water te houden. Op een dag komt de sociale dienst hem ophalen op school, om hem te brengen naar een pleeggezin. Zijn broertje is op zijn school ook meegenomen, maar wel naar een ander pleeggezin. Ryan kan de gedachte niet verdragen plots meegenomen te worden, geen afscheid van mama en zonder zijn broertje. Hij probeert zo snel mogelijk een plan te verzinnen om het tij te keren, en ontsnapt de eerste avond al bij zijn pleegmoeder. Hij gaat terug naar zijn moeder, maar wordt daar ook bijna onmiddellijk gesnapt door de politie. Met de politie op weg naar een ander pleeggezin slaagt hij erin opnieuw te ontsnappen. Maar daar staat hij dan, midden in de nacht in de vrieskou. Hij kan de eerste nacht terecht bij zijn vriend Wayne, die ook een moeilijke thuissituatie heeft, met een dronken en agressieve vader. De volgende dag dwaalt Ryan rond in de stad met een plan zijn broertje te redden en samen te vluchten. Maar zijn broertje heeft geen interesse in vluchten, hij is blij met zijn pleegmama die voor hem zorgt: eten, warmte, een slaapplek en lieve zorgen.
Wanneer Ryan de tweede nacht bij Wayne wil overnachten en afspreekt, is hij er getuige van hoe Wayne in elkaar geklopt wordt door zijn vader. Ryan kan voor afleiding zorgen, maar moet zelf ook vluchten. Hij Rent eerst naar zijn mama, daarna wordt hij opgepikt en teruggebracht naar zijn pleegmama. Met nieuwe afspraken, en broertje Tommie die daar ook terecht kan, ziet hij de toekomst beter zitten. Mama gaat in rehab. en Wayne komt ook terecht bij een pleeggezin na het laatste geweld van zijn vader.
mooi boek, mooi verteld ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
My Dad’s A Policeman by Cathy Glass
Blurb
My Dad's a Policeman is a dramatic and engaging story of a young boy with an alcoholic mother. Lonely, bullied and desperate for a life of happiness and security he tells everyone he meets his dad's a policeman. Fast-paced and compelling, this short story from Cathy Glass follows the experiences of a Ryan, a small and lonely 12-year-old boy who struggles to fit in. In an attempt to make friends, and discourage the school bullies from picking on him, Ryan tells his peers that his dad is a policeman. When the police actually turn up on Ryan's doorstep, to take him away from his alcoholic mother and put him in care, his life crumbles. It's not long before Ryan has run away, taking a long bus ride back across the city, desperate to get back to the inner-city life he knows. Keeping a low profile, and sneaking in to his best friend's house late a night for shelter, he soon discovers that he's not the only one who appears to be stretching the truth about the happiness of his home life.
My Opinion
Cathy Glass has written a great novella that gives a good insight into foster care. An eye-opening, heart-breaking read. At less than 100 pages, My Dad’s A Policeman is definitely worth a read.
Rating 4/5
Blurb
My Dad's a Policeman is a dramatic and engaging story of a young boy with an alcoholic mother. Lonely, bullied and desperate for a life of happiness and security he tells everyone he meets his dad's a policeman. Fast-paced and compelling, this short story from Cathy Glass follows the experiences of a Ryan, a small and lonely 12-year-old boy who struggles to fit in. In an attempt to make friends, and discourage the school bullies from picking on him, Ryan tells his peers that his dad is a policeman. When the police actually turn up on Ryan's doorstep, to take him away from his alcoholic mother and put him in care, his life crumbles. It's not long before Ryan has run away, taking a long bus ride back across the city, desperate to get back to the inner-city life he knows. Keeping a low profile, and sneaking in to his best friend's house late a night for shelter, he soon discovers that he's not the only one who appears to be stretching the truth about the happiness of his home life.
My Opinion
Cathy Glass has written a great novella that gives a good insight into foster care. An eye-opening, heart-breaking read. At less than 100 pages, My Dad’s A Policeman is definitely worth a read.
Rating 4/5
August 1, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is quite different from other books Cathy has writtten ,in the fact that it is from the child's point of view. To step back and see foster care through the eyes of the one going through it , is actually a different perspective. Ryan didn't wish to leave his mother and brother as they were the only family he knew. He fantasized about his father because he never knew him and that gave him the courage to live as they did. As you go through the book and find out how he makes his choices you wonder yourself if you would have done the same given you had been in his shoes.There are so many children in our cities here and abroad who live just like Ryan daily and yet they seem invisible to most of us. It is time more people became aware of these children before it is too late.
March 23, 2023
Such a heartbreaking read about two boys who go into care cause of there mothers drinking. It was so sad to see one of the boys not really settled in foster care at the beginning and to go on the run untill his mum had a good talk with him and then he goes back to his foster career and has a decent life there till his mum gets both boys home. The 2nd boy takes to foster care much easier then is brother was heart warming to see as he craved the love and affection he didn’t get at home. There mother gets both boys home in the end which was so lovely and so amazing to read about but sadly tragical the mother dies and one of the sons goes back into care which broke me and made me cry. The other both life turned out amazing in the end which is so lovely and nice to see. Such a heartfelt and heart breaking read. Xxx
November 28, 2018
I first found Cathy Glass books online through a free e-book. Intrigued by her story as a foster parent (knowing that it is a pseudonym she writes under) had me wanting to keep reading. It is heartbreaking what these children go through but I also felt that it may be a little bit dramatized to make for a good read. Hard to tell for sure, but either way my heart breaks for what these children went through. She does have a website with updated information but it has not been updated in quite some time with the children (pseudonyms of course) that she used to foster. I wonder if she is still currently fostering or writing books about her children. It is hard to tell with such little available information online.
October 28, 2018
A lovely little piece of fiction from Cathy!
Though this is a fictional piece by an author who is more famous for her non-fiction, this can definitely stand up with her other work. Following Ryan on his first night in care, it couldn't have been written any other way - and it's great to get ’the other side’ and the kids perspective, which we understandably don't normally get! I do wonder whether there is some truth to the tale - after all Ryan and Tommy (his brother) are awarded ’after stories’ on Cathy’s website as the foster kids she has memoir’d about have, so it would definitely indicate this. Either way this book compliments her memoirs to a t!
Though this is a fictional piece by an author who is more famous for her non-fiction, this can definitely stand up with her other work. Following Ryan on his first night in care, it couldn't have been written any other way - and it's great to get ’the other side’ and the kids perspective, which we understandably don't normally get! I do wonder whether there is some truth to the tale - after all Ryan and Tommy (his brother) are awarded ’after stories’ on Cathy’s website as the foster kids she has memoir’d about have, so it would definitely indicate this. Either way this book compliments her memoirs to a t!
August 2, 2024
“My Dad's a Policeman” is quite short – just 62 pages – and tells the story of Ryan, 12.
His mother is an alcoholic living on a council estate and has no idea who is the father of either of her two children.
Ryan is short-tempered and regularly in trouble. When Social Services intervene he's heading for a foster home and will be separated from his younger brother, Tommy.
To put it mildly he's not happy …
The author, Cathy Glass, has foster over 50 children in two decades and draws on her experiences to paint a bleak, but ultimately upbeat, picture.
It's too short to really judge – 3 Stars.
His mother is an alcoholic living on a council estate and has no idea who is the father of either of her two children.
Ryan is short-tempered and regularly in trouble. When Social Services intervene he's heading for a foster home and will be separated from his younger brother, Tommy.
To put it mildly he's not happy …
The author, Cathy Glass, has foster over 50 children in two decades and draws on her experiences to paint a bleak, but ultimately upbeat, picture.
It's too short to really judge – 3 Stars.
October 17, 2023
very emotional and gripping, this was not told from the point of view of the author but the child (ryan). i found at times ryans voice didn’t really sound like a child and more like an adult.
this book really packs a lot into less than 100 pages and does not feel rushed. i liked the difference in narrator as it gave a raw perspective and allowed the reader to truly witness what ryan, tommy and wayne were going through.
this book really packs a lot into less than 100 pages and does not feel rushed. i liked the difference in narrator as it gave a raw perspective and allowed the reader to truly witness what ryan, tommy and wayne were going through.
July 31, 2024
A fictional exploration of foster care from the perspective of the cared for child. Not the young one, who adapts easily and prefers the household where he is safe and warm and there is food on the table. But the older child who distrusts government intervention and doesn't feel outsiders should be allowed to dictate his life, despite being too young for any other outcome to be practical. I think it was an earnest attempt to consider foster care from another perspective.
August 25, 2025
It’s been over a decade since I read one of Cathy’s book. I enjoyed this short story about Ryan.
The book is well written and describes child neglect due to alcoholism well. Being a true story, I appreciate the care Cathy takes as she writes her books. I’m hoping to find my stash of her books so I can reconnect with what it’s like to be sent into the system and the families who care for them.
Told with honesty and respect, I’m looking forward to reading more.
The book is well written and describes child neglect due to alcoholism well. Being a true story, I appreciate the care Cathy takes as she writes her books. I’m hoping to find my stash of her books so I can reconnect with what it’s like to be sent into the system and the families who care for them.
Told with honesty and respect, I’m looking forward to reading more.
February 25, 2019
A good quick read and similar to Cathy and the way she fostered .... glad he got his happy foster family where his foster dad is a policeman (to which he was telling every one that his dad was a policeman even before her was fostered but yet he didn’t even know his real dad)
October 14, 2019
Ryan
Ryan is a 12 year old boy who was put in care but he ran away from his carer eventually he was tracked down and returned to his carer where he lived till his mam got her act together 5 stars
Ryan is a 12 year old boy who was put in care but he ran away from his carer eventually he was tracked down and returned to his carer where he lived till his mam got her act together 5 stars
August 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this as a quick read/short story and related a lot as my father was a police officer and I was bullied as a child and put into care. Enjoyed this quick read. Well done, Cathy for such a concise yet enjoyable and informative story.
June 7, 2021
Another great
The older child feels guilty because him and his brother aren't together. He is a street smart kid who has had to fend for himself. It took his mother to convince him to return to care and that she would get her two boys placed together. This seemed to work.
The older child feels guilty because him and his brother aren't together. He is a street smart kid who has had to fend for himself. It took his mother to convince him to return to care and that she would get her two boys placed together. This seemed to work.
July 11, 2022
Pretty typical Cathy Glass book, only not a child she cared for, and not from her perspective, but instead the perspective of the child who was removed. One of her earlier books which also shares a view from perspectives of others in his life. Good story, with updates on her website.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews