Lynda M. Brennan, Looked After Boy (Matador 2021)
Adolescent and teen readers will love Looked After Boy, especially if they have experience being in care. It is a must-read for teachers, social workers, or anyone with experience of the care system. Brennan portrays a system, staffed with people with all the good will in the world, which tragically lets down so many young people whose families have broken down.
We follow our Tottenham-loving hero Joe as his life is messed around by social workers who aren’t listening. He is separated from his siblings by a family court process he doesn’t understand, is sent to a children’s home where there are no children, and even becomes involved in the County Lines exploitation of teens for drug trafficking. Don’t worry, there’s a happy ending, so bear with him.
The unique quality of this novel is the voice of the 14-year old narrator, whose adorable personality shines through every misfortune.
Susie Helme 
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