One for the Murphys

One for the Murphys: Book review, extra material, and more!

Rating: ★★★★★

REVIEW:

Almost 8th grader, Carley Connors is tough. She never cries, is happy with what she has, and has a perfect life. That is, until her mother betrays her and she gets put into foster care. When she is dropped off at the Murphys' house, she doesn't want anything more than to leave and go back with her mother. Living with 3 boys, a dad, and a loving mother is not something she is used to, or has wanted. However, when Carley starts to be cared for, listened to, seen, and most importantly, loved, by Mrs. Murphy, she doesn't know what to do. She even begins to believe that maybe, just maybe, she could become part of the close, happy, lively Murphy family. But everything changes for her when her mother sends her news, news that Carley doesn't know what to feel about. There's no doubt that you won't want to miss this humorous, emotional, and beautifully written book!

Comments:

"This is a beautiful book, filled with hope. You'll cry and laugh along with Carley as she learns to lower her defenses enough to love-and, more surprisingly, be loved. It's a story you'll long remember" -Patricia Reilly Giff, Newbery Honor-winning author of Pictures of Hollis Woods and Lily's Crossing

"Readers will be cheering her on." - Booklist

"Undeniably affecting. Hunt's writing is strong and her characters well-developed and believable." -Publishers Weekly

"One For The Murphys is a riveting story." -Examiner.com

"This novel speaks to the universal experience of growing up but will especially resonate with readers who have questioned the hands they have been dealt and wonder how to move forward nonetheless." -The Horn Book

"[A]n astonishing debut! Lynda Mullaly Hunt's direct style of writing has readers rooting for Carley Connors and all of the Murphys from start to satisfying finish." -Leslie Connor, ALA Schneider family award-winning author of Waiting For Normal and Crunch

"[a]n incredibly touching novel." -thestorysiren.com

"Absolutely astonishing." -bookalicious.org

How you can help:

Did you know that there are over 400,000 children in foster care in the U.S. alone? Or that each year, only about 13% of children in foster care are adopted? Although fostering or adopting a child is definitely not possible for everyone, there are still many ways you can help. Below are a few things you can do to help, other than fostering a child.

• Make supply backpacks for foster kids! Some things to include: Backpack, blanket, stuffed animal, toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, soap, etc.), pajamas, socks, coloring books, small game/deck of cards, and a toy. Be sure to contact a foster care agency near you first to see what they need or if they need it at all.

• Find a local foster/adoption agency near you. Use this website to find out more. Select your state, then check off "Private Domestic Foster Care and Adoption Agencies". There should be many agencies, but to find one close to you enter your city.

• Donate to a foster/adoption agency to support their programs

• Donation school supplies for foster kids

• Create a scholarship fund for a foster child to go to college- after aging out of the system (over 20,000 each year), foster children are left with next to nothing and have a very low chance of being able to go to college.

• Donate clothes- many foster children only have the clothes they wear on their back

• Educate others!

Thank you for reading this post! If you end up reading this book, please tell us what you think about it below! With any questions, send us a message in the chat, form below, or at askbleem@gmail.com.

-Lauren, BLEEM Co-founder