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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
I really wanted to be able to give this five stars, but I just can't do that. First, let me explain what I liked about this book-
I liked Carley's personality and the development of her attitude throughout the story. She has been forced to be a sassy, independent young lady due to her mother's neglect (because, let's just be honest, that's just what it is). In the beginning, she is upset at being put in a foster home, which makes total sense- her mom and the life she has with her is all she's ever known. She displays blatant misbehavior and disrespect, but she shows conflict with herself about her behavior- she wants to hate it with her foster family, but she slowly finds herself falling in love with the idea of having a loving family.
I love that Mrs. Murphy is shown as a loving, patient mother who sometimes gets annoyed and loses her temper. I even love how it shows that Mr. Murphy isn't so keen on having Carley around, although he's able to warm up to her and see that she isn't as bad as she tries to make herself seem in the beginning. I liked the development of Carley and Toni's relationship, and I loved her relationship and love for the Murphy boys. Oh, and I'd be totally remiss if I didn't mention how much I loved her social studies teacher, Mr. Ruben. I couldn't help giggling when he made his own tragedy by pairing up students who didn't like each other. Most teachers are sneaky when they do this, but he just lets them know right off the bat haha.
Okay, now for what I didn't like...mostly, what I didn't like was based on what I see as inaccuracies with the foster care system. I'm not an expert on foster care, by any means, but these are some things I found a little odd. One thing was the whole character of Mrs. MacAvoy. From the beginning, to me, she doesn't exactly seem that sympathetic to Carley's situation. When she drops her off, she says 'good luck'...whether to Carley or the Murphys isn't specified, but I thought that was uhh...kind of weird? I also thought it was strange how Mrs. MacAvoy only visited Carley once, and that was only because Carley called. She also didn't accompany her whenever Carley visited her mom for the first time, and that just seemed strange and inaccurate.
I also wasn't pleased with the ending (Carley going back with her mom). I think her mom should have had to 'prove herself' a bit more, but no...Carley just goes right back to the same life she had before her mom got married. I really hope that Carley is able to keep in contact with the Murphys. I think having Mrs. Murphy in her life will help keep her motivated to make a life of her own, rather than the life her mom has forced her into.
I liked Carley's personality and the development of her attitude throughout the story. She has been forced to be a sassy, independent young lady due to her mother's neglect (because, let's just be honest, that's just what it is). In the beginning, she is upset at being put in a foster home, which makes total sense- her mom and the life she has with her is all she's ever known. She displays blatant misbehavior and disrespect, but she shows conflict with herself about her behavior- she wants to hate it with her foster family, but she slowly finds herself falling in love with the idea of having a loving family.
I love that Mrs. Murphy is shown as a loving, patient mother who sometimes gets annoyed and loses her temper. I even love how it shows that Mr. Murphy isn't so keen on having Carley around, although he's able to warm up to her and see that she isn't as bad as she tries to make herself seem in the beginning. I liked the development of Carley and Toni's relationship, and I loved her relationship and love for the Murphy boys. Oh, and I'd be totally remiss if I didn't mention how much I loved her social studies teacher, Mr. Ruben. I couldn't help giggling when he made his own tragedy by pairing up students who didn't like each other. Most teachers are sneaky when they do this, but he just lets them know right off the bat haha.
Okay, now for what I didn't like...mostly, what I didn't like was based on what I see as inaccuracies with the foster care system. I'm not an expert on foster care, by any means, but these are some things I found a little odd. One thing was the whole character of Mrs. MacAvoy. From the beginning, to me, she doesn't exactly seem that sympathetic to Carley's situation. When she drops her off, she says 'good luck'...whether to Carley or the Murphys isn't specified, but I thought that was uhh...kind of weird? I also thought it was strange how Mrs. MacAvoy only visited Carley once, and that was only because Carley called. She also didn't accompany her whenever Carley visited her mom for the first time, and that just seemed strange and inaccurate.
I also wasn't pleased with the ending (Carley going back with her mom). I think her mom should have had to 'prove herself' a bit more, but no...Carley just goes right back to the same life she had before her mom got married. I really hope that Carley is able to keep in contact with the Murphys. I think having Mrs. Murphy in her life will help keep her motivated to make a life of her own, rather than the life her mom has forced her into.
While I enjoyed this book for the unique perspective it gives, there were many misgivings that I had about this book.
I think that the resistance Carly first meets from the various family members, and feeling of not being good enough seem genuine. The perception that people have of foster kids is probably pretty tough to over come and show trust and care. I really enjoyed that part of the book. The triumph over a difficult situation, a current common situation, is powerful.
However, my issue with the book is the lack of the proper representation of the foster system. There was very little legal representation, the idea that she would talk to her mom without anyone there with her was extremely odd, and Carly not having anyone to talk to about the situation seems so unrealistic.
I realize this book is probably supposed to introduce the idea to younger readers. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and the experience. Some tears were certainly shed.
I think that the resistance Carly first meets from the various family members, and feeling of not being good enough seem genuine. The perception that people have of foster kids is probably pretty tough to over come and show trust and care. I really enjoyed that part of the book. The triumph over a difficult situation, a current common situation, is powerful.
However, my issue with the book is the lack of the proper representation of the foster system. There was very little legal representation, the idea that she would talk to her mom without anyone there with her was extremely odd, and Carly not having anyone to talk to about the situation seems so unrealistic.
I realize this book is probably supposed to introduce the idea to younger readers. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and the experience. Some tears were certainly shed.
This was probably the most emotional book I've read. I don't go hunting for titles like this. If I hadn't been recommended it, I wouldn't have even known it existed. Now it's going to hard to forget it.
This book suited my reading style. Short chapters, memorable characters and story you forget for a long time are just words.
The reason why I couldn't rate this book 5 stars is the abrupt ending. It had you right there practically in tears and then just ends.
I'd still recommend this book, you could read it in a couple of days, even a couple of hours if you were that way inclined. A beautiful story of how you don't need to be related to be a family.
This book suited my reading style. Short chapters, memorable characters and story you forget for a long time are just words.
The reason why I couldn't rate this book 5 stars is the abrupt ending. It had you right there practically in tears and then just ends.
I'd still recommend this book, you could read it in a couple of days, even a couple of hours if you were that way inclined. A beautiful story of how you don't need to be related to be a family.
Fantastic book for a mis grade lit circle. My 5th and 6th graders loved it!
Terrific portrayal of the difficulties in a situation like this! Love the twist about foster mom!
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oddly, I thought this would be a just-get-through-it book. Boy, was I wrong. Refreshingly honest, touching, and REAL... proud of the Caudill committee for nominating this one.
This book is so good I was looking for a good book to read and one of my friends told me to read it and I'm glad I did!