CARELESS by Kirsty Capes released today

Careless, the debut novel from Kirsty Capes, was released today, and we’re incredibly excited about it.

The author, Kirsty Capes is a care leaver and strong advocate for better representation for care-experienced people in the media. She recently finished her PhD in female-centric care-experienced contemporary fiction at Brunel University London, and she continues to speak on the importance of sharing more positive stories of being in care.

Careless follows the story of Bess, a young person in the care system, as she navigates life in twenty-first century Britain. It’s a book about friendship, the care experience and following your dreams against all odds. Importantly, Careless shines a light on the reality of being in care in the UK – and it’s been tipped as the ‘must-read debut novel of the year’.

Speaking about the novel in The Bookseller, Kirsty said:

“I hope it changes people’s minds about care leavers and what we can expect from people who have grown up in foster care. I think the book is very hopeful. It’s about aspiration and understanding that no matter what disadvantages you start out with, your life is just as valuable. Your hopes and dreams are just as valid.”

At Become, our mission is to help children in care and young care leavers to believe in themselves and to heal, grow and unleash their potential. We hope that more positive representation of the care-experienced community in the media, as determined by care-experienced young people themselves, will make the public aware of the realities of being in care and help young people in the system to feel seen.

Remember, if you are in care or a care leaver, and you need support – we are here for you. Call our Care Advice Line for free on 0800 023 2033.

You can buy Careless here.

Follow Kirsty Capes at @kirstycapes