Airdrie’s Boys

About the Book

Adolescence can be a challenging period under normal circumstances, but for five troubled boys, 1963 is a particularly difficult year. As social worker Airdrie Thompson-Guppy and her family settle in Waterloo, Ontario, Airdrie’s life is about to dramatically change when those five boys are placed in her home by the Children’s Aid Society.

One by one, the boys cautiously move into the home Airdrie shares with her husband and one-year-old daughter. Lefty is the unwitting victim of his father’s anger. Bob has endured constant abuse from his alcoholic parents. Johnny struggles academically, is fatherless and is clearly troubled. Val sports an impish grin and is quick to argue. Dan is a cheery lad who is easily led by others. As Airdrie shares how she cared for the boys despite their inner turmoil and troubled backgrounds, she provides an eye-opening glimpse into one family form that focuses on rescuing and protecting children from the atrocities of a dysfunctional life.

Airdrie’s Boys is a poignant story for anyone who cares about children; for families who need to know that lives can change and mend; and for all those who dedicate their professional lives to helping children discover a better life.

About the Author

AIRDRIE THOMPSON GUPPY practiced as a social worker and a clinical marriage and family therapist for forty-five years. She was Director of Social Work from 1974 to 1985 at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and then Director of Social Work at the Queensway Carleton Hospital from1985 to 1988. She then continued her work through private practice. She is the coauthor of Stepmothers: Exploring the Myth (1986). Now retired, Airdrie lives in Ottawa, Canada, where she continues to learn about life through her five children and fourteen grandchildren.