Three Little Words: A Memoir

Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Jun 2008 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

An inspiring true story of the tumultuous nine years the author spent in the foster care system, and how she triumphed over painful memories and real-life horrors to ultimately find her own voice.

“Sunshine, you’re my baby and I’m your only mother. You must mind the one taking care of you, but she’s not your mama.” Ashley Rhodes-Courter spent nine years of her life in fourteen different foster homes, living by those words. As her mother spirals out of control, Ashley is left clinging to an unpredictable, dissolving relationship, all the while getting pulled deeper and deeper into the foster care system.

Painful memories of being taken away from her home quickly become consumed by real-life horrors, where Ashley is juggled between caseworkers, shuffled from school to school, and forced to endure manipulative, humiliating treatment from a very abusive foster family. In this inspiring, unforgettable memoir, Ashley finds the courage to succeed—and in doing so, discovers the power of speaking out.

Ratings and reviews

I started reading this book in grade 7 and was instantly drawn to it. I had to return it to the school library and couldn't find it again, it was always checked out. I spent years trying to find it based on the color of the spine and the picture of Ashley in her angel costume. It took me a few years, but I was able to google it and find the title and immediately bought it from the google store! I am so glad to finally finish it! It took me less than 24 hours this time. And now I see there is a sequel! I can't wait to read that next!

I first read the first 3 chapters of this book when I was 18/19 in my English class, but then someone either stole the book or borrowed it so I never got to finish it. It inspired me to want to someday adopt and even now I hope one day I can. It is touching, interesting and sad. It has some funny moments and others that make you want to cry. Glad she shared her story, it should be a book that many schools require their students to read. I'm not a huge book reader yet this book is hard to put down!

Well, i started the book in seventh grade English class, with two other girls. I had really liked books about foster kids, so I chose this one. We weren't able to finish it when it got to the 're-recorded' movie scene, so I am now.

About the author

Ashley Rhodes-Courter has been featured in Teen People, The New York Times, USA TODAY, and Glamour, as well as on Good Morning America. Her first memoir, Three Little Words, began as an essay, which won a writing contest for high school students, and was published in The New York Times Magazine. She is also the author of Three More Words. A graduate of Eckerd College and a champion for the reformation of the foster care system, Ashley speaks internationally on foster care and adoption. Visit her at Rhodes-Courter.com.