Mummy Told Me Not to Tell: The true story of a troubled boy with a dark secret, new fostering memoir from bestseller Cathy Glass

I grew up with foster sisters and seem to be drawn to books about orphans, foster care, and adoption, so it was not surprising that I found this book engaging. I read the whole book in one sitting on a transatlantic flight, foregoing sleep and in- flight movies. I was, however, left wondering about the ethical issues involved in this type of writing. The author has the obligation to change details to protect the privacy of the child and others involved with him. So, how much of the story actually happened? Or if the story was not drastically altered, will the child later discover his foster mother told the secrets of his traumatic childhood? Did the social workers and teachers know the identity of the foster mother who also appears to be a prolific writer? Nonetheless, I found it to be an inspiring and engaging story of consistency, persistence, and care in spite of overwhelming odds.

Another great book by Cathy. I could read her books all day and night long. I can't wait for her next one

Cathy Glass fosters an out of control little boy and contends with his out of control mother. Cathy uses behavior shaping techniques that are very effective without resorting to physical violence. She demonstrates that it's not too late to save the boy and mainstreaming is a viable approach to educating a special needs child.

I think this is the 4th of yours I’ve read and I have another. Congratulations and thank you for making such a huge difference in the life of this little boy and all the others you’ve cared for. It seems that so much of the resources of legal systems can be used up, even wasted, by so few people like Tracey. And so sad that she has so many children who need so much outside care...yet here she is with another. Boggles the mind! Thank you and your family for stepping up where your kind heart is so needed.

Reese is finally placed in Cathy's care after going through 5 other carers in a short period of time. Her is noisy and hard to control. Cathy calms him down but be continues to have outburst in school. He won't talk to Cathy to tell her what is wrong. Once she meets his out of control Mother, Cathy knows where his behaviour comes from. Another sad story with a good outcome

Very good book! We purchase a lot of books through amazon & areNever disappointed.

I know about being a Foster parent. It is wonderful thing to do. After all these years, I miss them. It is heart breaking to tell them good bye. I will never forget them.

Reece was an aggressive violent child when he was placed with foster carer Cathy Glass. When she met his mother and siblings, she found that they all shared the same disposition and appearance, notably odd dentition which earned Reece the nickname Sharkey. Reece was able to learn to control his behaviour under Cathy's care, but had difficulties in school with violence and sexual advances to teachers and students. While he became a loving little boy with some learning and behavioural issues,his family contact was causing a lot of setbacks. Eventually a dark secret about the paternity of Reece emerged, and he luckily was sent to live with an aunt and a half-sibling who had escaped the violent home Reece grew up in. Cathy did so much for this child; the memoir is inspirational to read and horrific to realize the secrets some children harbour.

I have nothing but huge admiration for Cathy Glass. I am also a foster carer & recommend her books to my fostering friends & regard them as essential reading to any would-be foster carers. They are so informative & inspirational. She tells it as it is - not only about the children she looks after - but also about all the expectations & frustrations of the system. This book also highlights how carers can sometimes find themselves in various vulnerable situations when it comes to angry & aggressive birth families who are attempting to regain or exert some sort of control in their lives. Taking on a child who has had several placement breakdowns in quick succession is a HUGE thing to do. Well done, Cathy - and well done also to the rest of her family. Fostering is always a massive commitment for the whole family but even more so when looking after such damaged and challenging children.

*Spoilers*The dark secret of this book was frustrating to find out. Annoying characters withholding the information for so long. I guessed half of the mystery earlier on in the book. During the first parent-child contact meet up. The sentence about Reece, his mum and siblings looking alike. So if you want the mystery to shock you when it is finally is revealed. Make sure you haven't read or watched Flowers in the Attic by Virginia Andrews. Like I have.The most interesting bit for me was the whole situation with the Headmaster, Reece and the school. This is the first book, I've read that goes deeply into it. It was entertaining and refreshing. The Headmaster seemed as desperate as the Headmaster in Outnumbered, who was waiting for an opportunity to get Pete sacked for causing so much trouble for the school.

This was an amazing story. It showed how consistancy and boundaries help any child no matter how troubled they are. I felt sorry for Reece and had a real hatred towards his mum reading this story. Even when the truth came out I still didnt feel sorry for Tracey as she is an adult and should have known better but yet she continued to let bad things happen and I kept thinking that I would never want to come across her! Also I think if her children are constantly being taken away she should have been forced to be sterilised! Also I felt sorry for reece when he went to school especially how the head handled him to begin with and never showed support, surely cathy could have gone to someone to report that as she is responsible for providing high quality care and the school werent providing that. It was a great read.

Cathy Glass is a fantastic foster carer and I love all of her books. In “Mummy Told Me Not To Tell” we meet seven year old Reece. Reece was bought to Cathy after a very dysfunctional start in life with his birth mother. Cathy begins to unravel the truth behind Reece’s violent, disruptive and aggressive behaviour and as always, does her upmost to provide Reece with a loving home.

Another amazing book, thanks so much Cathy! Am looking forward to reading the next one. Once I start reading one of Cathy’s books I’m unable to put it down!