Billy the Kid was inspired by a collection of transcript excerpts from a number of different story-telling events. Dale Hannah, a writer from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, created the storyline using a combination of our young participants’ reflections on foster care and relationships with social workers, combined with his own experiences of working with vulnerable children. The story was written for a younger teen audience and may also be of interest to families and social work professionals. Billy the Kid was illustrated by talented artist and fellow SCBWI writer, Debra Tracey.

Pam is Jess’s social worker but she’s been on leave since forever. Now that she’s finally back, she wastes no time in catching up with what has been happening in Jess’s life over the summer. But Jess soon wishes that she had never mentioned Billy’s name…