Scan barcode
nssutton's review
3.0
I can't believe it took me until my 30s to appreciate middle grade stories. I picked this up after a positive review from the same 5th grade teacher who led me to Creech. It was an incredibly quick read, all in one morning, during which it plucked and tugged on all my heart strings. I still wish the ending had been different, although it was the only one it could be.
_cayti_'s review
3.0
I buy most of my books off ThriftBooks and while they are a DEAL, sometimes I don't know exactly what I'm getting because they send a different version of the book then what's shown in the listing. A lot of the time I pick a book out based on the cover - original I know - and this one was one of those. I only realized after I got it - and it was a different version, sporting different cover art - that it was for literal children. Not YA. Like 9 year olds. But I was committed. And I gotta tell you. It didn't feel like a kids book. It was funny, sad, moving. And really made me want to look more into foster care.
mrstalkativethompson's review
5.0
This book will rip your little heart out for Carley but it was so so good and I couldn't put it down!
jillmulhollandd's review
4.0
I loved this book. Carly's feelings are made so clear that I felt that I knew her myself. I would recommened this book to you if you drama.
aemaynard15's review
5.0
Love LMH, really humbled myself crying in front of my students when I finished it
dotorsojak's review
3.0
3 stars
I don’t read middle-school, YA books very often, so it’s a little difficult to assess this fairly. Still, I like the book overall. It’s bit sentimental, a bit of a tear-jerker, but it also includes lots of authentic touches.
Carley, the 8th grade first person narrator, is a relatable, interesting young girl who has a penchant for irony and word-play. She seems to be a no-nonsense person, but gradually Hunt (LMH) reveals to us that she is actually starved for love and affection. What pleased me most about the book were the secondary characters, though everyone’s attitude towards Carley was a little too heartwarming for my taste. Even Daniel, the oldest of her foster brothers and at first a suspicious enemy, comes to cheer for her in the end.
My favorite supporting player was the frenemy, Toni. Indeed the development of the Carley/Toni friendship is the most affecting and believable part of the book. I suspect that LMH wants some of her readers (i.e. adults reading the novel) to identify with adult character Julia Murphy, but “Mrs. Murphy” is just too perfect and understanding to be true. Her husband, the foster dad, though not given much to do other than watch Red Sox games, is a more believable character. I also really liked the teacher character, Mr. Rueben, though this may just be a function of my having been a teacher myself.
The book is predictable in lots of ways—we quickly figure out that Toni is going to turn out to be the BFF—but the ending is not totally obvious. Of course if you know anything at all about the foster-care system, then there is only one way the book can end. However, much depends on how LMH will portray Carley’s biological mother. If she is to be a total villain, then one outcome, if not, then another. Once you get to the last pages of the book, there are three or four spots where LMH could have ended. Ultimately, she keeps going and I don’t think the book is stronger because of her inclination to tie up loose ends. I’m sure I’m not spoiling anything by saying the novel is a major tear-jerker.
Ultimately, this is a book about love and how one can and should express that love. It has a nice message, but part of that message is that love is not always sweetness and light. Also sometimes one has to give up things, even love.
I don’t read middle-school, YA books very often, so it’s a little difficult to assess this fairly. Still, I like the book overall. It’s bit sentimental, a bit of a tear-jerker, but it also includes lots of authentic touches.
Carley, the 8th grade first person narrator, is a relatable, interesting young girl who has a penchant for irony and word-play. She seems to be a no-nonsense person, but gradually Hunt (LMH) reveals to us that she is actually starved for love and affection. What pleased me most about the book were the secondary characters, though everyone’s attitude towards Carley was a little too heartwarming for my taste. Even Daniel, the oldest of her foster brothers and at first a suspicious enemy, comes to cheer for her in the end.
My favorite supporting player was the frenemy, Toni. Indeed the development of the Carley/Toni friendship is the most affecting and believable part of the book. I suspect that LMH wants some of her readers (i.e. adults reading the novel) to identify with adult character Julia Murphy, but “Mrs. Murphy” is just too perfect and understanding to be true. Her husband, the foster dad, though not given much to do other than watch Red Sox games, is a more believable character. I also really liked the teacher character, Mr. Rueben, though this may just be a function of my having been a teacher myself.
The book is predictable in lots of ways—we quickly figure out that Toni is going to turn out to be the BFF—but the ending is not totally obvious. Of course if you know anything at all about the foster-care system, then there is only one way the book can end. However, much depends on how LMH will portray Carley’s biological mother. If she is to be a total villain, then one outcome, if not, then another. Once you get to the last pages of the book, there are three or four spots where LMH could have ended. Ultimately, she keeps going and I don’t think the book is stronger because of her inclination to tie up loose ends. I’m sure I’m not spoiling anything by saying the novel is a major tear-jerker.
Ultimately, this is a book about love and how one can and should express that love. It has a nice message, but part of that message is that love is not always sweetness and light. Also sometimes one has to give up things, even love.
jesy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A great family read that exposed our kids to how the foster care system should work. Unfortunately, we also know that many placements are not as loving as portrayed in this novel. Opened a door for us to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly. We also made sure to talk about the fact that they may not actually know their classmates home situations and that being understanding, supportive, and watching our words are all powerful ways to help people endure tough times.
The kids take (11 & 6 year olds):
A really sad book. Interesting to learn about real life situations that can happen to kids. Liked how the kid learned about family, friends, and siblings when she didn't have that experience before.
The kids take (11 & 6 year olds):
A really sad book. Interesting to learn about real life situations that can happen to kids. Liked how the kid learned about family, friends, and siblings when she didn't have that experience before.
katiec0303's review
5.0
This is a heartbreaking yet wonderful book. I loved it, but expected nothing less from Lunda Mullaly Hunt. She is such a great author!
zahra10's review
emotional
informative
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'll never forget how I cried my eyes out at the end of the book. So beautiful.