 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Three Little Words: A Memoir
- By Ashley Rhodes-Courter
- Genre: Autobiography
Common Sense Media says
Harrowing foster child memoir for mature readers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a true story filled with real-life horrors. While nothing is described graphically, it includes a variety of forms of child abuse and mistreatment; lots of sexual references, none of them healthy; swearing; drugs; alcohol; and acting out of psychological damage.
What's the story?
In the first half, author Ashley Rhodes-Courter describes her childhood in the foster-care system: after being taken away from her mother at age three, she endures fourteen foster homes in nine years, including one that was seriously abusive. In the second half she details her adoption and subsequent struggles to adapt, overcome her distrust, and feel like she belongs with her new family, as well as her legal battles with the abusive foster parents and the state system that looked the other way.
Is it any good?
The first half of this book is just disturbing and horrifying, the more so because readers know that it's true, and actually happened to the little girl in the pictures at the back. It's for teens only, and even they might wonder why they are reading something so miserable. But as a story, that first half perfectly sets up Rhodes-Courter's courageous battles and triumphant successes in the second half, leaving the readers feeling strongly connected to the author and deeply satisfied by her accomplishments.
The author spares no one, least of all herself, and in her plain, straightforward, unadorned prose her anger is palpable and fully justified. But her determination and strength of character prevent her from wallowing in blame and indignation, instead turning this into a story of hope and triumph as she rises from the ashes of her ruined childhood to become a best-selling author and spokesperson for the protection of foster and adopted children. If you can get through the harrowing first half, you will find yourself astonished and uplifted.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how Ashley came out of this gruesome childhood intact and excelling. What enabled her to succeed when so many others are lost? Why doesn't the system do a better job of protecting them? Do you think Ashley's legal actions will do any good? Why has Ashley gotten all the media attention?
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AGE
MUST READ if you are considering Social Work!
Loved it, but had a really hard time getting through the first 1/2. I was in tears and had to put the book down several times. I adopted a 10 year old out of the foster care system and this book made me want to adopt 7 more! The reason I put 17+ is because if a child is thinking about choosing Social Work as a career these are the things they will be dealing with. Other that that I think this is an adult book, that will move you to want to help the children stuck in the system.
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AGE
i loove it but i caant figure out the three little words ?
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AGE
Eye Opener (but maybe a little exagerated)
In my opinion, it was a well done biography. However some events seemed quite exagerated. Such as riding in the backseat in a car with no doors where the driver is drunk and speeding and the toddlers fall out of the car onto the road and aren't hurt but actually laughing. Especially since it "happened often" I doubt this. Oh and some of the events while she's at the little meetings with the mosses and all the kids lie and say Mrs.Moss is the greatest care taker alive. At least one of them would have spoken up. Not to mention the inspectors what did they not see how cramped the rooms were or you know see the sun burns and injuries on the children or maybe smell the horrible stenches? All together the book was good it really opens your eyes to some of the horrors that go on in the foster care systems.
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AGE
Three little words review!
i think it was a great book
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AGE
AMAZINGG!
This was soooooooooo good!
I read it in one day because I was so interested !
Ommg!
It was amazing !
It didnt have that much swearing but it was for someone who was mature !
I loveeeeed it! :)
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AGE
Great for Teens
I am a high school teacher and plan on teaching this to my English class next six weeks. I believe I can use the book in a way that will teach the kids about real life things they already know about or face. I truly believe the students will enjoy reading this book and I am looking forward to teaching it! When my children are old enough I would allow them to read this novel.
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Kid, 12 years old
November 6, 2011
AGE
I love this book but it isnt 4 little kids
This book is okay, but what if a teenage child got it and then a nine year old found it.That would be very bad. You feel pretty sorry for Ashley, and I almost cried.
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AGE
I read this book and i couldn't put it down. It is very touching and tells some shocking things. it makes you think about how horrible some people can be and how children suffer. it makes you want to do something about children in foster-homes that move from home to home.
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| Author: | Ashley Rhodes-Courter |
| Book type: | Non-Fiction |
| Genre: | Autobiography |
| Publisher: | Atheneum |
| Publication date: | January 1, 2008 |
| Number of pages: | 304 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 14 |
| Read aloud: | 15 |
| Read alone: | 15 |
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