With the new school term now in full swing, thousands of children and young people will be finishing library reading challenges. For many children, books offer the chance to discover new worlds and perspectives. They can also provide something equally important: the opportunity to see their own experiences reflected in stories about friendship, family, belonging and growing up.
Barnardo’s supports thousands of children, young people and families in and leaving care. To mark the end of the summer reading season, the charity asked some of these children and young people which books best reflect their lives and experiences. Books they chose included The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson, and The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson, which are both about young girls in foster care.
Some of the books selected may not immediately spring to mind as stories about care. Lilly-May, a young person supported by Barnardo’s, said: “The BFG by Roald Dahl reminds me a bit about care. The girl, Sophie, gets adopted in the end and is happy.”
Rona Whitfield works for Barnardo’s and also experienced foster care as a child. She said: “Representation matters because care-experienced young people deserve to see themselves reflected in a way that feels inspiring, relatable, and achievable. Getting that representation right is just as important for care-experienced young people as it is for anyone else, helping to challenge stereotypes and show that care experience is only one part of a person’s story, not a limit on what they can achieve.”
Barnardo’s is searching for people to come forward as foster carers. Fostering Network figures show a 21% drop in the number of approved foster carers in Scotland since 2021, while the number of children in need of a home has been rising. With more than 100 years of experience supporting children and families, Barnardo’s has extensive expertise in matching children with the right foster families and providing ongoing support. The charity believes every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing and secure home.
Anne Whyte, Assistant Head of Business of Fostering and Adoption in Scotland for Barnardo’s, said: “It’s incredibly important that children and young people in and leaving care feel seen and heard. Reading is a wonderful way to do this, and to encourage people who might not know much about fostering to walk a mile in their shoes. We hope that anyone who has been moved by one of the many wonderful stories out there about children in care might consider this autumn whether fostering is right for them. Fostering isn’t always easy. But when you make that difference to a child’s life, it can be the most rewarding thing in the world.”
To find out more about fostering with Barnardo’s, visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/foster. To explore more books that children in care might enjoy, visit The Book Trust website and search ‘children in care’.
Barnardo’s has been helping children, young people and families to be safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful for 160 years. Last year, the charity supported more than 12,000 children, young people, parents and carers through 150 services. This vital work is only possible thanks to Barnardo’s partners and supporters. Together, the charity brings love, care and hope into children’s lives, so every child can feel like they belong. To donate, volunteer or fundraise for Barnardo’s in Scotland, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.