This Boy I Hardly Know
Dusty and her little sister Poppy might not have the easiest life being in care and constantly moving home, but at least they have each other. Until suddenly, they don’t. After a breakdown in their foster placement, Dusty is sent to a children’s home away from everything she knows and – worst of all – away from her sister. It’s there that Dusty meets Cooper, a boy who is familiar with Dusty’s pain and is willing to help her get back to Poppy, even if it means running away together.
This is a book that fully understands the difficulties children in care face and doesn’t shy away from how the system can fail them. As vulnerable teenagers on the run, Dusty and Cooper find themselves in some worrying situations where people try to take advantage of them, often bringing up past traumas. But the story’s focus is more on their present and future rather than the past, showing there is far more to these young adults than the reasons they’re in care.
Heathfield perfectly captures the complexity of these teens – their intense passion, emotions and occasional poor judgement are laid bare on every page, as well as the struggles of being misunderstood in a world where they feel they have no control. Dusty and Cooper grow closer throughout their journey, and while trying to find the person she loves most, Dusty discovers how fierce and powerful love can really be. A hard-hitting read that is both gut-wrenching yet full of hope.
A hard-hitting read that is both gut-wrenching yet full of hope. While the book is reflective of some young people's lives in the care system, it may be upsetting in parts for anyone who has experienced it directly.
