Raising Yourself in Appalachia: Resilience in the Face of a Parentless Childhood is a powerful collection of voices from young people who have walked the hardest road alone. What if the only person you could count on... was you? In the Appalachian Mountains, where front porches hide deep secrets and the mountains don't always echo your cries, some kids grow up without parents, without guidance and without choice. From couch surfing and foster care to learning how to survive without love, this book explores what it means to come of age when nobody is watching out for you.
But it’s not just about what was lost. It’s about what they built in spite of it.
STRENGTH. GRIT. COMPASSION. DREAMS.
Written for those who lived it and those who need to understand it. This read is a tribute to every kid who packed their own backpack, made their own choices, and kept going even when it hurt.
This is not just a book. It’s a mirror, a lifeline, and a reminder: you’re not alone.
Written by Kathy Paxton.
