Chloe

Chloe had always been the perfect daughter. Diligent, obedient, good at caring for the other children when Mom wasn’t home. She always worked hard and did everything she was asked. But she couldn’t please her mother and the parade of stepfathers. It seemed like the harder she tried, the worse the abuse got. Chloe had known for a long time that she was two people. The Chloe who watched and the Chloe who experienced. She had been watching for so long, she wasn’t sure she could feel anything anymore. But if she can’t overcome her past and start living in the real world, she knows she will lose herself forever. Placed on the In the Margins Committee Recommended Reads, 2018 by Library Services for Youth in Custody. "I love this series, and have been waiting for Chloe's story for quite awhile." "Chloe's behavior has been a mystery throughout the other books in this series, as her brother and sisters have acted out or fought back as their parents abused them, leading them into the 'system,' whereas Chloe has stood by her mother's side, supporting and defending her, when readers know that her mother must be abusing her as well. Chloe's story is horrifying yet hopeful, a harrowing read for anyone who works with children from an abusive background, in foster care, or situations where there are no responsible, loving adults to care for them and guide them, resulting in young adults who have no idea how to love themselves or others, or how to live in the world safely and successfully. Chloe's happy ending is hard-won, and a reminder that there are children (and adults) out there who need help, and that we should never look away when there may be signs of abuse or neglect."