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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
I loved this book, but there are a few major inaccuracies regarding the foster care system. The system as its represented here is very different that the system I've experienced through my volunteer work as a special advocate for kids in foster care.
First, I can't imagine anyone who had gone through the foster care system herself, and who willingly takes in another child, would then refuse to let her foster child call her "mom" if she asked to. Who would really make a big deal about that?
Also, the caseworker doesn't show up until she receives a phone call from our protagonist, Carley, and then makes a big deal about having to make a visit. First, visits would have already been made, multiple times. Second, caseworkers are yes, overworked and overburdened, but are incredibly caring people who make sure that their children are safe and if one of their clients calls, they're not going to complain to the child about having to make a visit. Also, Carley would have some kind of mandatory services in place for her that the Murphys would be taking her to, like counseling, therapy, etc. Kids aren't just dropped off at their placement home and then promptly forgotten.
Otherwise, I think this book has a ton of things that are wonderful. The characters are great (even Mrs. Murphy, besides the unbelievable "no"), the plot is well-paced, it balances numerous characters without making them confusing or unnecessary, in order to make a realistic life for Carley, and I love the cover and the endpapers. I think it is so important to have a book like this out there for kids who experience this in their lives. I really wish there could be a couple tweaks and a second edition to fix what I think are huge errors/plot holes.
First, I can't imagine anyone who had gone through the foster care system herself, and who willingly takes in another child, would then refuse to let her foster child call her "mom" if she asked to. Who would really make a big deal about that?
Also, the caseworker doesn't show up until she receives a phone call from our protagonist, Carley, and then makes a big deal about having to make a visit. First, visits would have already been made, multiple times. Second, caseworkers are yes, overworked and overburdened, but are incredibly caring people who make sure that their children are safe and if one of their clients calls, they're not going to complain to the child about having to make a visit. Also, Carley would have some kind of mandatory services in place for her that the Murphys would be taking her to, like counseling, therapy, etc. Kids aren't just dropped off at their placement home and then promptly forgotten.
Otherwise, I think this book has a ton of things that are wonderful. The characters are great (even Mrs. Murphy, besides the unbelievable "no"), the plot is well-paced, it balances numerous characters without making them confusing or unnecessary, in order to make a realistic life for Carley, and I love the cover and the endpapers. I think it is so important to have a book like this out there for kids who experience this in their lives. I really wish there could be a couple tweaks and a second edition to fix what I think are huge errors/plot holes.
This book was a real life book. It was almost like it was a non-fiction. Good story and a reminder how one person can make a huge difference in someone's life.
I read this book in one sitting, and when I finished, I kicked myself for waiting so long to read such a great book! Carley's story is so heart-wrenching and well written that it grabs you by your heart strings. And though I may not agree with it, I love that the ending is just so real.
This book was heartwarming and heart-wrenching all at the same time. It was fairly short, so I was able to get through it fast, but it was so good. I was happy, sad, and angry when reading this book. The ending surprised me and was very bittersweet. Full review will be up on my blog.
The main character was not as loyal to her family as a real person would have been. She was a little too quick to embrace her new family. I also think a real person would have been more emotionally disturbed. Her behavior problems magically disappeared in record time. The social worker in Chapter 30 does a really stupid, and I hope, unrealistic thing. The dialogue made me want to puke.
Loved this book!! So witty. So heart-wrenching. An emotional roller coaster in the best way. Now I can see why so many of my students love it, too.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
This book is SO sad. I cried towards the end, and I don't cry easy. However, Mrs. Lynda Mullaly Hunt wrote this story incredibly well and I really wish there was a sequel.
Just as amazing the second time around. It’s been a long while since I read this book, but it still managed to knock me off my feet with its perfection. We need more people like Julie Murphy and Carley in this world. I loved the foster care story, the forgiveness, the love and kindness that surrounded this MG novel.
Carley is sent into foster care after her stepfather beats her, and, to her despair, her mother helps hold her down for the beating. Carley is wary of foster home she enters. The Murphys obviously love each other, the parents don't yell at the children when they make mistakes or cry, and they seem to love her (except for the oldest boy in the family who is jealous). Life with the Murphys is bliss and Carley begins to wish she could join this traditional family. But then her mother, who was also hospitalized the same night Carley was (we don't find out why until the end), recovers and Carley is faced the harsh reality that her mother is her family no matter their history.
The Murphys as times seemed almost too perfect, but I guess I do know some families that seem wonderful too. Also, there is no fairy tale ending, rather a hopeful one.
Middle school
The Murphys as times seemed almost too perfect, but I guess I do know some families that seem wonderful too. Also, there is no fairy tale ending, rather a hopeful one.
Middle school