Poor

Katriona O'Sullivan grew up bright and curious, but surrounded by poverty and chaos. At 15, she became pregnant and homeless, entering five years of survival. Today, she is an award-winning academic whose work examines barriers to education for girls in similar circumstances. O'Sullivan's path changed through mentors and supporters who truly saw her potential: teachers who helped her maintain hygiene and encouraged her to sit GCS Es, a community worker who guided her toward training schemes, and a friend who introduced her to Trinity College's access program while she worked as a cleaner. Poor combines O'Sullivan's personal testimony with reflection on poverty's complexities. Written with warmth and compassion—toward her parents, her younger self, and others—the book serves as both a personal account and an appeal for the future of vulnerable children.