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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
I loved reading this book. It wasn't high action but it was very well written and had a really good plot. I love how it needed too! (Even though it was a bit sad)
fast-paced
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I don't have words to begin to describe this book. It was good. It was emotional, raw, and real. I think anyone who works with children or who has any interest in working with children or fostering should read this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse
Twelve year old Carley Connors is spunky, bright and... being placed with a foster family after a bad incident with her mother and step-father. The Murphys are a loving, imperfect family. At first Carley resists the family's overtures, then grows to love them, but hates the fact that she loves being part of the Murphys. This is a wonderful, touching story about the complications of family and love.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Sweet pre-teen book.
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
8th grader Carley Connors has found herself in foster care after a situation with her stepdad got out of hand. Carley can't understand why Mrs. Murphy is so nice to her, especially when the only reason she's there is because her own mother can't take care of her.
This is probably a good reluctant reader book, but also good for kids to understand what it's like to be in foster care. Carley's also a great character, so from the beginning I really cared what happened to her.
This is probably a good reluctant reader book, but also good for kids to understand what it's like to be in foster care. Carley's also a great character, so from the beginning I really cared what happened to her.
Somewhat like the Great Gilly Hopkins, but this is a much sharper contemporary version. Truly moving at the end, my only quibble is why foster parents are always so darn perfect - didn't Mrs Murphy ever once snap at her children?
This book truly tugged on my heart strings. I cried several times and made sure to write a great review at the school I teach at. I think more kids should read this book. It’s eye opening to a lot of the behaviors for some of their peers. It can show them that what they’re actions are saying on the surface, may not match the emotions that child is truly feeling due to trauma. Loved it!
This is a great story for young people or adults working with troubled teens. I did not like the ending.