The Child Catcher

“A fierce, maddening chronicle of advocacy on behalf of our most vulnerable citizens.” -- Kirkus Reviews
“In the eighteen years between a child’s birth and high school graduation, 3.6 million children will enter foster care in the US. Andrew was one of those children. Then, he became a lawyer for them. By turns reflective and poignant, always keenly observed, Andrew tells the story of those he represented in foster care. Balancing triumph and loss, Andrew reminds us how King’s admonition that ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ applies distinctly to children, especially those in foster and related care systems.” -- James Tucker, Civil Rights Lawyer, State of Alabama
“This gripping book explores the shadowed world of adolescent mental health institutions and the dark truths often found behind those doors. Admitted to one of these institutions at just six years old, Andrew Bridge survived and became the lawyer who fought to defend 120 children trapped in a remote institution in rural Alabama. Intimate, rigorous, and humble, The Child Catcher is both heart song and triumph.” -- Melissa Bond, Author, Blood Orange Night: My Journey to the Edge of Madness
“Last year alone, 4.2 million young people experienced at least one night of homelessness in the United States. Through his own experiences, Andrew very personally and marvelously shows how institutions like Eufaula, and the perverse economic incentives they create, have driven us to a place where youth homelessness, hopelessness, and worse have become the accepted result of foster care. The Child Catcher is a rallying cry for action for today’s children and generations to come.” -- Bill Bedrossian, President & CEO, Covenant House International
“Author Andrew Bridge’s ability to intertwine personal history with legal advocacy creates a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative that sheds light on many failures in foster care, and it’s rare to see such a brilliant balance of objective criticism and personally harrowing storytelling. Bridge’s narrative is clear and never overdone, but he does offer raw experiences from his own memoir and those of others with depth and compassion to make sure each point hits home on a real level. The vivid storytelling brings the harsh realities of institutional abuse into sharp focus, making the fight for justice both personal and universal at the same time. Those of us outside this world are sure to get a brilliant education in it from the level of detail in the book, as well as an empathetic view of what it’s like to suffer under negligent and harmful conditions, and have the state tell you that’s acceptable when it clearly never should be. The book’s message of resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity is inspiring and Bridge's dedication to protecting vulnerable children is to be championed. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Child Catcher as an eye-opening, important read for all.” -- Audrey Donegan, Readers’ Favorite
“Through the expert weaving together of his foster care childhood, the author conveys the significance of the continuous fight for children’s rights and the significance of redemption from the ashes of institutionalized injustice. The extensive research for The Child Catcher: A Fight for Justice and Truth by Andrew Bridge will undoubtedly spur thought and action. Its inspirational message of hope, faith, and perseverance in the face of extreme conditions will resonate with readers of all ages.” -- Lily Andrews, Reader Views
“This book by Andrew Bridge is not just a memoir, but it is the voice of thousands of children who had to struggle for justice and truth. The Child Catcher: A Fight for Justice and Truth is a touching and inspiring story that not only makes readers aware of children’s rights but also inspires them to understand how many children are still being denied justice in our society.” -- BookBelow
“The Child Catcher: A Fight for Justice and Truth is a beautifully written and inspiring read…. I recommend that everyone read it to understand the complex nature of foster care systems and to ensure that every child’s voice is heard.” -- Book Nerdection
“The Child Catcher is a book for anyone who wants to understand the devastating impact of institutionalized child neglect and the fight for children’s rights. Bridge’s writing is both beautiful and tragic, and his advocacy work shines as a beacon of hope amid the darkness.” -- Literary Titan
“The Child Catcher stands as a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about child welfare in America. It compels readers to rethink how we care for children and challenges us to fight for the reforms necessary to prevent future generations from enduring the same failures. Bridge’s writing is masterful. It blends raw emotion and meticulous detail, pulling the reader into the very heart of his experiences. His style is intimate, offering personal reflections that reveal deep vulnerability, while also relentless in its pursuit of truth, forcing the reader to confront the harsh realities of the child welfare system. Ultimately, Bridge’s story is one of personal redemption and the enduring belief that justice for vulnerable children is not only necessary but possible if we are willing to fight for it.” -- American Writing Awards