We Were the Morris Orphans cover art

We Were the Morris Orphans

4 Brothers, 5 Sisters & Me

 Preview
Try Premium Plus free
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

We Were the Morris Orphans

By: Kathi Morris
Narrated by: Pam Ward
Try Premium Plus free

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $16.99

Buy Now for $16.99

About this listen

When a drunk driver orphans 10 children, their plea to stay together sparks international news - and prompts a trust fund that attracts corrupt and abusive fostering.

“They’re not dead, are they?” The officer’s body visibly slumped as he delivered his final nod.

From that July day in 1968 on, the Morris family became the Morris orphans: 10 children who attracted nationwide attention, and a trust fund that didn’t bring out the best in those who fostered them. Kathi, the oldest, was only 17 when her parents were killed by a drunk driver. This is her story - behind the headlines - of when the Morris orphans only had their mutual loss and each other.

©2021 Kathi Morris (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing Parenting & Families Relationships
All stars
Most relevant  
It is good that this book has been written as it highlights systemic flaws that badly need to be improved.
I think a big portion of the funds should had been placed in a high interest earning trust funds for each of the children to access as young adults as this is when it is also badly needed.
After age 18yrs they are often kicked out of the system with no one to turn to for help and also with needs for a roof over their heads, car, basic furniture etc… and no funds to obtain these necessities and no family to ask for a loan.
I think the author has a very good point when she says adopters need to have experience and good references from those who have experienced their care as children.
I think this should also apply to foster family’s and those who work in child welfare, including social workers.
I do not agree that children should not be asked where they would like to stay.
I understand that as a young person Kathi did not know where she wanted to live, nor did some of her siblings, however all children differ and some DO know where they want to live.
When welfare took me at age 12 I knew exactly where I wanted to live, but I was not given any say in it and no choice and until this day many decades later I am still full of immense anger about that.

Highlights systemic flaws.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The narrator was easy to listen to. Sad story but well told. Hard to imagine the heartache the children endured

The 10 Morris children

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I loved this book, it broke my heart for what those 10 children went through all their lives, Kathi you are amazing and you should be proud of yourself ❤️

So sad

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I totally wasted my money on this book. Still wandering how it got published . Terrible

Soo bored

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.