Exploring Top Books of Shelfari

This book chronicles the unforgettable account of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother: a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games--games that left him nearly dead. He had to learn how to play his mother's games in order to survive because she no longer considered him... (more)

Damaged

by Cathy Glass

Although Jodie is only eight years old, she is violent, aggressive, and has already been through numerous foster families. Her last hope is Cathy Glass. At the Social Services office, Cathy (an experienced foster carer) is pressured into taking Jodie as a new placement. Jodie's challenging behaviour has seen off five carers in four months. Despite her reservations, Cathy decides to accept Jodie to protect her... (more)

Tyrell

by Coe Booth

Tyrell is a young African-American teen who can't get a break. He's living (for now) with his spaced-out mother and little brother in a homeless shelter. His father's in jail. His girlfriend supports him, but he doesn't feel good enough for her -- and seems to be always on the verge of doing the wrong thing around her. There's another girl at the homeless shelter who is also after him, although the desires... (more)

Lost Boy, The: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family

Lost Boy, The: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family

by Dave Pelzer

As a child, Dave Pelzer was brutally beaten and starved by his mother. The world knew nothing of his living nightmare and he had nothing and no one to turn to. But his dreams kept him alive – dreams of someone taking care of him, loving him and calling him their son. Finally, his horrific plight could no longer be hidden from the outside world and Dave’s life radically changed. The Lost Boy is the harrowing –... (more)

Broken

by Shy Keenan

Shy Keenan was not meant to survive her childhood. Her mother beat her so severely that she was deaf and nearly blind by her first day in school. Her stepsister thought nothing of pouring boiling water over her, and virtually every day she was raped by her stepfather. At agre 10 she was sold to a gang of dockworkers, viciously attacked, and left for dead in a field with a fractured skull. Today, Shy is an... (more)

Society Guardian NHS and Social Services Directory 2005/6 (Guardian Books Series)

Society Guardian NHS and Social Services Directory 2005/6 (Guardian Books Series)

The new edition of Society Guardian NHS and Social Services Directory is an indispensable guide to the UK's health and social services. As well as presenting the essential facts and figures about the NHS and social services in the United Kingdom it also provides informative contributions from key personnel, including Sir Nigel Crisp, Chief Executive, NHS.

Of Words & Music

by Lynda Fitzgerald

White Oleander

by Janet Fitch

Astrid is the only child of a single mother, Ingrid, a brilliant, obsessed poet who wields her luminous beauty to intimidate and manipulate men. Astrid worships her mother and cherishes their private world full of ritual and mystery - but their idyll is shattered when Astrid's mother falls apart over a lover. Deranged by rejection, Ingrid murders the man and is sentenced to life in prison.White Oleander... (more)

Why I Fight

by J. Adams Oaks

Wyatt Reaves takes the seat next to you, bloodied and soaking wet, and he is a big-fisted beast. Tell him to stretch out like an X across asphalt and you've got a parking space. But Wyatt's been taking it lying down for too long, and he is NOT happy. Since he turned twelve and a half, he's been living with his uncle, a traveling salesman of mysterious agenda and questionable intent. Soon, Uncle Spade sees the... (more)

100 Jobs in Social Change

by Harley Jebens

This fresh, innovative series has been written to dispel the notion that "all the good jobs are taken." By focusing on an interest rather than a specific field, each title presents job seekers with 100 entry-level job possibilities within their particular area of interest. Line illustrations throughout.

Hassles and Hope

by Noel McCready

Everyone has problems, but there are always solutions. One sunny day in August, Don is prepared to end it all, but someone stops him... That "someone" is Debs. A beautiful, young woman, whose mission in life is to help people. Debs works as a counsellor, which is how she encounters Maxim and Rose. Maxim is obsessed with two things - herself and sex! However, Rose is a very different sort of person. She is an... (more)