Ashley is the author of the New York Times and International Bestselling memoir Three Little Words, its sequel, Three More Words, and the children’s book, Sam is My Sister.
Three Little Words
Discover the Power of Your Own Voice
Three Little Words is an International Bestseller and details the inspiring true story of the nearly ten years Ashley Rhodes-Courter spent in the foster care system. Despite all odds against her, Ashley triumphed over painful memories and real-life horrors to ultimately find her own voice.
Ashley lived in fourteen different foster homes, including two group homes. As her mother spiraled out of control, Ashley was left clinging to the unpredictable, dissolving relationship, all the while getting pulled deeper and deeper into the foster care system.
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, trust, and bring justice and hope to others.
Three More Words
Three More Words is the sequel to Ashley Rhodes-Courter’s acclaimed memoir Three Little Words (2008), Rhodes-Courter once again exposes the horrors of the American child welfare system. She describes getting a lap band to control a post-traumatic tendency to gain weight, settling down with her husband and learning to enjoy a safe romantic relationship, and building up an inspirational speaking business to support her family. Parents will be inspired and amazed by this former foster child’s willingness to take on many severely abused foster children herself—even during her own pregnancy. Kirkus Reviews praised the book’s “vivid descriptions of her experiences with her foster children”
Sam is My Sister
Former foster child turned New York Times and International Bestselling Author, Ashley Rhodes-Courter, LCSW has released her debut children’s picture book, Sam is My Sister, about her three children—one of whom is transgender. In the book, Evan loves being big brother to Sam and Finn. They do everything together―go fishing, climb trees, and play astronauts. But lately, Evan notices that he and Sam don’t look like brothers anymore. Sam wants to have long hair, and even asks to wear a dress on the first day of school. As time goes by, Evan comes to understand why Sam wants to look like a girl―because Sam is a girl. Sam is transgender. And just like always, Sam loves to dream with Evan and Finn about going to the moon together. Based on one family’s real-life experiences, this heartwarming story of a girl named Sam and the brothers who love and support her will resonate with readers everywhere.
Ashley discusses the book and her experience raising a transgender child. She and her husband proudly partner with the the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and serve on the Parents for Transgender Equality Council.
Book Lesson Prompt from Welcoming Schools: Sam is My Sister lesson prompt.
Read more about Ashley’s experience from Pride and Less Prejudice, and organization dedicated to fostering inclusive classrooms.