Somebody Else's Kids - Torey Hayden

As an addicted reader of Torey Haydens books, I was lucky to find a paperback copy of Somebody Else's Kids in Sainsbury's for £3.99 this monday, as on average I usually pay £6.99 for one of her books.

Torey has spent many years working as a special education teacher based over in America, she now lives in Wales, England. Writing best selling books about her experiences with these amazing children.

Book in hand I was soon drawn into a moving story about a class that "just created itself " tucked away within a self contained classroom of a mainstream school. This class of four children would see many highs and lows, including one childs attempted suicide, they would all make steps both forwards and back through their year. Torey would find the education system often felt like the enemy and would have to battle with inflexible educational policies to fight for her students rights.

The children:
Boo, a seven year old boy with autism,he likes to spin and twirl, he has a magical look about him. sometimes he will hide under a rug.
boo does not speak although at times he can be vocal, screaming loudly.
Lori, a twin who as a young child had been severely abused, one beating left her with a fractured skull and brain damage. As a result of this lori although very bright, found reading and writing extremely difficult to accomplish.
Tomaso, a fearless defiant boy, he had witnessed the shooting of his father, shot to death by his stepmother. He looked so angry and full of attitude.
Claudia, was twelve years old and had become pregnant the first time she had sex. previously she had schooled in a catholic school, who did not want her there in her condition. She was very bright, but frightened and depressed.

These four children with all their differences and problems helped each other through a very rocky journey, building friendships and trust. Torey writes beautifully and when reading this book It helped reitterate why some times children do the most bizarre things and behave the way they do!

publisher: Harper Element
website: www.thorsonselement.com
isbn: 978-0-00-725880-2