"While the abuses of Catholic priests have been making headlines in recent years, little has been heard about mistreatment at the hands of nuns. Here Richardson, who was raised in a Catholic orphanage in Kentucky in the 1960s, recounts the horrors that she and countless other children endured there and takes readers on her journey to rid herself of the awful memories. Her catharsis comes with a lawsuit, which she and 44 other survivors brought against the order that ran the orphanage.

Richardson tells two simultaneous stories. In one, she recalls episodes from her childhood where her misbehavior ... led to unheard-of punishments. In the other, she takes us through the steps of the ... lawsuit, from the first meeting with the attorney to the first deposition where a sister was present to, finally, a settlement, the first of its kind against Catholic nuns.

Hers is a beautifully told story about strength and an enduring faith that can lead but one place: to forgiveness."

~ American Library Association *Booklist Starred Review*

"An inspiring story of a girl who would not be broken. One of the best ... books I have ever read in my life. Pain, despair, courage and hope fill every page ... It should be required reading for parents, social workers and especially employees and volunteers of every denomination."

~ Morris Dees, founder of The Poverty Law Center, author: A Lawyer's Journey, The Morris Dees Story, Hate on Trial, The Case Against America's Most Dangerous Neo-Nazi.

THE UNBREAKABLE CHILD in the September 2009 issue, WRITER'S DIGEST, Writer's Workbook feature, 'Master The Memoir Basics: 5 Essentials' references Kim's story as a wonderful model of how to craft a hopeful ending. "It's a gut-wrenching book, but one thing saves it from being merely depressing...it delivers what the title promises."

"Excellent endorsement, and a helpful example to those in the throes of their own life's story."

~ J.M. AuthorScoop

"I want to begin this year with a review of a book that comes with a message from a Kentucky author and has touched me more than any book I've read in the past year. Grim yet ultimately inspiring, "The Unbreakable Child" is a harrowing biography that catalogs years of institutional abuse that took place in the Saint Thomas-Saint Vincent Orphan Asylum, a Catholic orphanage in Anchorage, KY."        Read the entire review Here

~ THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE

"For my language Arts Class I had to read a book and make a poster. I picked The Unbreakable Child because it seemed like a good book, and after reading it I decided it has to be one of the best. It showed me that life could be so much harder and I have great blessings in my life. And after reading it I just wanted to thank my mom."

~ A.T. age 16, Kenai Alaska

"A harrowing, but beautifully crafted saga of one woman's courageous fight against evil, and her victory over the greatest titan in history--the Catholic church. This is a book that will haunt you."

~ Alanna Nash, author: The Colonel

"The Unbreakable Child is an act of courage, a book that insists on the primacy of justice, no matter how long the delay. Kim Michele Richardson, an author determined to give traumatic memories a rightful meaning, is one indestructible woman."

~ Jason Berry, author: Vows of Silence

"The Unbreakable Child is not so much a tragic tale as it is a testament to the resilience of human nature and the fighting spirit residing somewhere in each of us. In recounting her childhood abuse at the hands of those we most revere and put our trust in, Kim encourages victims everywhere to stand up to the bullies and bully pulpits that dictate to us and misuse positions of authority.

The Unbreakable Child is more than a wakeup call for the Catholic Church and child care institutions; it's a rally cry for the rest of us to hold our religious, legal and political authorities accountable."

~ Greg Barrett, Veteran Journalist and Author of The Gospel of Father Joe

"Bad girls go to hell!" (The Unbreakable Child, p. 24). So said Sister Charlie to three-year-old Kim, a "resident" at St. Thomas-St Vincent Orphan Asylum, situated in rural Anchorage, Kentucky. Kim didn't have to become a bad girl nor did she have to wait. She was already in hell.

The dissonance between the promises and preaching of the official Catholic Church and the horrors perpetrated against innocent children by some of its official representatives is far more than the average decent person can even imagine much less comprehend. Probably the worst experiences of these vicious and mind-bending horrors took place in orphanages founded and run by Catholic religious orders.       Read the entire review Here

~ Thomas Doyle, J.C.D., C.A.D.C.

"Dear Friends,

After reading The Unbreakable Child, I am heartsick at the horrific abuses you suffered. As a Sister, I am so very sorry that we did not "wear the face of God" for you. That is our deepest call, especially to the innocent and vulnerable. I grieve that it was on our watch and at our hands that you suffered, knowing that the suffering still impacts your life today and to some degree always will. Each of you is a precious child of God. Your experiences were so contrary to that message and to the Gospel. In that, you were failed miserably.

Thank you for your tremendous courage in coming forward and speaking the truth. In your suffering, you wear the face of God for us. I believe that until we (as individuals and as an institutional Church) see in your face the face of the Crucified Jesus and respond with compassion, integrity, and true repentance, healing and freedom will elude us.

I stand in solidarity with you in your pain and in hope with you as you heal."

~ Sister Ann-Marie Borgess, SND Toledo, Ohio