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45 pages 1 hour read

Three Little Words

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | YA | Published in 2008

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Book Brief

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Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Three Little Words

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | YA | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

321

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Florida • 1990s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

870L

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Super Short Summary

Ashley Rhodes-Courter’s 2008 memoir Three Little Words recounts her turbulent experiences in the foster care system after being separated from her teenage mother, Lorraine. Moved between various foster homes, some abusive, Ashley struggles to find stability and love. She eventually meets the Courter family, who adopt her, allowing her to find security and gradually build trust and open up to love once again. Topics include child neglect and abuse.

Inspirational

Emotional

Heartwarming

Challenging

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.4

19,319 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Several reviewers commend Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter for its gripping and heartfelt depiction of life within the foster care system, highlighting the author's resilience and emotional strength. Some critiques point to occasional repetitiveness and a need for deeper exploration of certain themes. Overall, the memoir is praised for its compelling narrative and inspirational message.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Three Little Words?

Readers who appreciate heartfelt memoirs like The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer will find Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter compelling. This book is ideal for those interested in personal stories of resilience, adoption, and overcoming adversity. Suitable for young adults and adults alike.

4.4

19,319 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Ashley

The protagonist of the story, she is a highly intelligent child who lives in a caravan with her family before entering the foster care system, where she faces numerous challenges but gradually learns to trust again.

Ashley's biological mother, who has a carefree attitude and struggles to provide a stable environment for her children, leading to Ashley entering foster care.

A foster parent who outwardly seems caring but is abusive behind closed doors, maintaining a facade to deceive investigators.

The Guardian ad Litem for Ashley and her brother, who works to represent their best interests in court and plays a pivotal role in their lives.

Phil and Gay Courter are a couple who show patience and kindness towards Ashley, helping her to heal and trust as they become her adoptive family.

Book Details
Pages

321

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Florida • 1990s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

870L

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