One for the Murphys

Carley Connors enters foster care and moves in with the Murphy family after an incident involving her stepfather. As she adjusts to life with the Murphys in Connecticut, she struggles to reconcile their loving family dynamic with her previous experiences. The Murphys work to make Carley feel at home while respecting her need for space and independence. Through relationships with her new foster mother Mrs. Murphy, foster brothers, and a friend at school, Carley begins to understand different types of family bonds. Carley faces internal conflicts about loyalty, trust, and her place in the world as she navigates between her past and present circumstances. Her connection to her biological mother adds complexity to her journey of self-discovery. The novel explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of unconditional love. It raises questions about what makes a family and how people can grow through difficult transitions.

Readers describe this book as an emotional story about foster care that resonates with both adults and young readers. Many reviews mention crying while reading. Readers appreciated: - Authentic portrayal of foster family dynamics - Complex character development of Carley - Balance of heavy themes with moments of humor - Educational value for kids learning about foster care - Strong message about love and family bonds Common criticisms: - Plot predictability - Some found the ending unsatisfying - A few readers felt the mother character was too one-dimensional Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (17,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (900+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 5/5 Reader quotes: "Made me understand foster kids in a whole new way" - Goodreads reviewer "Perfect for middle school classroom discussions" - Teacher on Amazon "The relationship between Carley and Mrs. Murphy felt real and raw" - School librarian review

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff A foster child discovers the meaning of family through art and determination while moving between homes.

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson A defiant foster child plots her escape while learning to trust her new foster mother.

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan After losing her parents, a twelve-year-old genius builds an unexpected family from the people around her.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley A disabled girl escapes London during World War II and finds hope with her new foster family.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt A sixth-grade girl with dyslexia discovers her worth through the support of a new teacher and unexpected friendships.

🌟 Author Lynda Mullaly Hunt worked as a teacher for several years before becoming a writer, which helped her understand and portray the struggles of young people authentically. 📚 The book explores the foster care system in the United States, where approximately 424,000 children are in foster care on any given day. ❤️ The character of Mrs. Murphy was inspired by a real foster mother the author knew who changed many children's lives through her caring and dedication. 🏆 "One for the Murphys" has won numerous awards, including the Tassy Walden Award and the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award. ✍️ Hunt wrote 27 different versions of the first chapter before settling on the final version that appears in the published book.