Close Your Pretty Eyes

Eleven-year-old Olivia has lived with seventeen different foster families. Now she moves to a farmhouse in Yorkshire with a new foster mother, but becomes convinced the house is haunted by the ghost of a Victorian murderess. As Olivia investigates the dark history of her new home, her fears about the ghost begin to affect her behavior and relationships. Her past experiences in the foster care system make it difficult for her to trust her current situation or the people trying to help her. The story follows Olivia's struggle between wanting to belong and being unable to feel safe, as she grapples with both supernatural and psychological threats. Meanwhile, her foster mother refuses to give up on her despite escalating challenges. This novel explores trauma, trust, and the lasting impact of early childhood experiences through both realistic and gothic elements. The intersection of past and present creates a framework for examining how people heal and form connections.

Readers note this book's raw, unflinching portrayal of a foster child's trauma and mental health struggles. Many found it emotionally challenging but important for understanding foster care experiences. Likes: - Authentic voice of the 11-year-old protagonist - Educational value for foster parents and social workers - Effective blend of ghost story with realistic foster care narrative - Complex exploration of attachment disorders Dislikes: - Too dark and disturbing for some younger readers - Difficult to connect with the antagonistic main character - Some found the ghost story element unnecessary - Abrupt ending left questions unresolved Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (50+ ratings) "Heartbreaking but necessary" - Goodreads reviewer "Should be required reading for foster carers" - Amazon reviewer "Too intense for my 12-year-old" - Parent reviewer on Common Sense Media

The Great Trouble by Deborah Hopkinson A foster child in Victorian London faces disease and injustice while solving a deadly mystery about contaminated water.

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt The story follows a girl in foster care who learns to trust her new family while confronting memories of past trauma.

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff A twelve-year-old artist moves between foster homes while searching for her place in the world through her drawings.

Waiting to Forget by Sheila Kelly Welch Two siblings navigate their new adoptive family while processing memories of their troubled birth mother and time in foster care.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley A disabled girl escapes an abusive mother during World War II evacuations and finds healing with a reluctant foster mother in the countryside.

🏠 The book deals with the real historical figure of Amelia Dyer, known as the "Baby Farmer," who murdered infants in Victorian England between 1880-1896 and is considered one of Britain's most prolific serial killers. 📚 Author Sally Nicholls extensively researched the foster care system in the UK while writing the book, incorporating authentic details about the experiences of children in care. 👻 The ghost story elements in the novel were inspired by the author's fascination with how trauma can haunt people both literally and metaphorically. 🎓 Sally Nicholls wrote her first novel, "Ways to Live Forever," while still studying for her master's degree in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. 💕 The main character Olivia's story was partially influenced by real accounts from foster children, particularly their struggles with forming attachments after experiencing multiple placements.