A New Door

The bag on Edward’s lap holds everything he owns. He is thirteen, he is on his way to a children’s home called Elm House, and he has no idea how long he will be staying. New Door follows Edward through his first weeks in care: the nervous arrival, a bedroom that doesn’t feel like his yet, the first night, house rules, the other young people, school, family time, and the bad days that come with all of it. Bit by bit, he finds people he can trust and something that is his. After each part of Edward’s story, a Real talk section explains what is actually going on, what young people can ask for, and why whatever they are feeling makes sense. The book also includes a jargon buster of words adults use, a list of people who can help, and private pages to write, draw or scribble on. Written for young people aged 10 to 16 moving into, or recently placed in, a children’s home in England. It can be read alone, a chapter at a time, or with a key worker or social worker. For children’s home staff, social workers, foster carers and anyone supporting a young person through a move into care, New Door is a gentle, honest place to start the conversation.