Lemn Sissay reads from his candid memoir about growing up in Britain's care system care during the 70s and 80s. Today, the documents in his social work file, shed new light on his own recollections of his childhood, and as he approaches his twelfth birthday events at home take an unwanted turn.

Lemn Sissay is an award winning writer, the author of five poetry collections, and was the official poet for the 2012 Olympics. He was awarded an MBE for services to literature and has worked tirelessly is supporting children in care.

My Name is Why is his courageous account of a childhood spent in a foster family and followed by six years in the institutional care system. Interwoven with documents from his social work file, Lemn uncovers answers to questions that he has been asking since he left care aged 17. Truths are uncovered that reveal Lemn's story to be one of triumph over adversity.

Read by Lemn Sissay, Shaun Mason, Katherine Press, Sean Baker and Susan Jameson.
Abridged by Julian Wilkinson
Produced by Elizabeth Allard Show less