Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
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.
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
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.
This is a heartbreaking yet wonderful book. I loved it, but expected nothing less from Lunda Mullaly Hunt. She is such a great author!
emotional
informative
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'll never forget how I cried my eyes out at the end of the book. So beautiful.
I read this for a book group and liked the main character but dislike the rosy lense trauma was portrayed from. Everything just felt way too hunky dorry for me. Like how sassy Carly, the main character, was after enduring abuse for being sassy? Or how. She was so quickly released back to her mother when she was noticeably upset when she met with her? Some things just didn't add up.
I read this aloud to my 10 and 13 year old and we all LOVED it. One for the Murphy's is the tender and honest story of Carley Connors who has just landed in foster care with the Murphy family. It will break your heart but then mend it again, with a few laughs along the way.
One for the Murphys is one of those books that sticks with you. I loved this book so much. One For the Murphys made me laugh and cry which is really what I look for in a book. Y was a great contemporary read that I feel like I needed.
I my opinion, Julie Murphy reminds me of Molly Weasly because of the kindness she showed to Carley and to her kids. It reminds me of Molly and how she treated Harry as if he was her own. I love all the characters I this book and I love how you get to see the characters change. How Carley realizes that crying is human and Carley helps Daniel.
Overall I loved this book!! Hands down five stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I think this book will remain in my favorites for quite a while...
I my opinion, Julie Murphy reminds me of Molly Weasly because of the kindness she showed to Carley and to her kids. It reminds me of Molly and how she treated Harry as if he was her own. I love all the characters I this book and I love how you get to see the characters change. How Carley realizes that crying is human and Carley helps Daniel.
Overall I loved this book!! Hands down five stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I think this book will remain in my favorites for quite a while...
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.
Moving middle-grade novel about a girl whose life changes due to fostering by a loving family. I really liked this one. Unpredictable, a bit of mystery, and full of heart. Would recommend.