Shining a Spotlight on Those Society Too Often Forgets
‘Annie Try writes realistically and with sensitivity. This is a gripping book that will keep the pages turning.’
Emily Owen, author, educator and inspirational speaker
More than 100,000 children in the UK are in care, and the life outcomes for these children are well below average. Yet behind the statistics are individuals growing up with the same hopes and dreams as any other child. In her latest novel, retired consultant clinical psychologist, Annie Try, who has specialised in fostering and adoption, shines a light on these children society all too often forgets.
Sixteen-year-old Emma JJ longs to be a dancer – and has the talent to do it. But she faces challenges most teens can only begin to imagine. A looked after child, she has been moved from home to home. And now, finally settled with a great foster carer and starting college, she must decide whether to test for a progressive genetic condition – one that may have killed her dad, and could threaten all her dreams.
Cass, her closest friend, who has had her own trauma to overcome is with her every step of the way, and together they support an old school enemy in danger. Through everything, Emma’s boyfriend, Jock, also seems to be committed, but will he want to stay with her if she tests positive for the condition? And can she somehow find her own voice when so many decisions are being made for her?
‘I have written about Emma JJ before,’ comments Annie Try. ‘she is such a strong character, battling so many difficulties, that she has a firm following amongst my readers who are anxious to know what happens next. I am drawn to writing about fostering because of personal experience of children in the care system in addition to it being my professional area of expertise.
‘I wish my readers well as they come alongside Emma. While enjoying the story, my hope is that they may understand more about the complex lives of those no longer with their birth family and, in Emma’s case, struggling with the fear of a life-changing genetic disease.’
Whether you are interested in fostering and adoption, or just looking for a page-turning read, The Precarious Path of Emma JJ is a book that will keep you gripped and open your eyes to the lived-experience of those we so easily overlook.
‘Another insightful offering from Annie Try, taking her young readers deep into the struggles of being a looked after teenager at a truly formative time of life. Thought provoking and full of hope.’
Lou Everard, retired social entrepreneur and author of See the Person
The Precarious Path of Emma JJ by Annie Try (ISBN: 9781917941020) is published by Instant Apostle on 18thSeptember 2026 and is available from bookshops and online retailers, Fiction, paperback, 256pp, £11.99.