Book review ‘In our Shoes’ by Dawn Reeves

Our client Dawn Reeves is a publisher and very talented book writer. We have read and enjoyed her book ‘In our Shoes’ which shares the experiences of children and young people in the family justice system. Here’s what she had to say:

"It's a bit niche but I love my work as a publisher and story activist. I support people to tell their stories and curate them into beautiful books that share what matters. This year we launched In Our Shoes - Experiences of children and young people in the family justice system. The 32 stories are written by young people and although they are very short, one page each, they pack a punch.

The book is compelling reading for anyone who's been through a divorce that has involved court proceedings or any professional who works with children in care. And it's a great general read to find out more about how young people and children cope with adversity, family breakdown, mental health issues and the impact of being heard.

What I love about the book is that although the experiences would be challenging for any of us, these young people have learned to be resilient, positive and are very clear about what helps. There's a resources section too.

Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division of the High Court of Justice in England and Wales said: "These are hard-hitting, honest and deeply personal accounts, I wholeheartedly recommend this book."

Dawn publishes two or three bespoke books a year and are an independent publisher with social enterprise at our heart. “I'm really proud of another book we produced during lockdown, ‘One Story - councils, covid and better futures.’ I illustrated the book myself and was totally out of my comfort zone, but I think we all surprised ourselves with what we could do during the pandemic. It's such a positive and uplifting read about who we are as a society and what will stand us in good stead for the future.”

Check out www.sharedpress.co.uk or books available on-line.