Synopses & Reviews
A moving debut novel about a foster child learning to open her heart to a family's love
Carley uses humor and street smarts to keep her emotional walls high and thick. But the day she becomes a foster child, and moves in with the Murphys, she's blindsided. This loving, bustling family shows Carley the stable family life she never thought existed, and she feels like an alien in their cookie-cutter-perfect household. Despite her resistance, the Murphys eventually show her what it feels like to belong--until her mother wants her back and Carley has to decide where and how to live. She's not really a Murphy, but the gifts they've given her have opened up a new future.
"Hunt's writing is fearless and One For The Murphys is a story that is at once compassionate, thought-provoking and beautifully told. From the first page, I was drawn into Carley's story. She is a character not to be missed or forgotten." Jacqueline Woodson, three-time Newbery Honor author of After Tupac and D Foster
Winner of the Tassy Walden Award for New Voice in Children's Literature
Review
"Carley is a modern-day Gilly Hopkins, bright and strong, angry and deeply hurt. . . . By the end of this poignant debut, readers will be applauding Carley's strength. . . . A worthy addition to the foster-family shelf."
Review
"Hunt's writing is fearless and
One For The Murphys is a story that is at once compassionate, thought-provoking and beautifully told. From the first page, I was drawn into Carley's story. She is a character not to be missed or forgotten." —Jacqueline Woodson, three-time Newbery Honor author of
After Tupac and D Foster “By the end of this poignant debut, readers will be applauding Carley’s strength.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Readers will be cheering her on.” —Booklist
"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
"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
"An 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
“…an incredibly touching novel.” —TheStorySiren.com
“Absolutely astonishing.” —Bookalicious.org
Review
“Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine.”
Review
“[Hunts] depiction of Allys learning struggles is relatable, and Allys growth and relationships feel organic and real.”
Review
* “Mullaly Hunt again paints a nuanced portrayal of a sensitive, smart girl struggling with circumstances beyond her control. . . . Allys raw pain and depression are vividly rendered, while the diverse supporting cast feels fully developed. . . . Mr. Daniels is an inspirational educator whose warmth radiates off the page. Best of all, Mullaly Hunt eschews the unrealistic feel-good ending for one with hard work and small changes. Allys journey is heartwarming but refreshingly devoid of schmaltz.”
Synopsis
From the author of the New York Times bestselling novel Fish in a Tree Carley uses humor and street smarts to keep her emotional walls high and thick. But the day she becomes a foster child, and moves in with the Murphys, she's blindsided. This loving, bustling family shows Carley the stable family life she never thought existed, and she feels like an alien in their cookie-cutter-perfect household. Despite her resistance, the Murphys eventually show her what it feels like to belong--until her mother wants her back and Carley has to decide where and how to live. She's not really a Murphy, but the gifts they've given her have opened up a new future.
"Hunt's writing is fearless and One For The Murphys is a story that is at once compassionate, thought-provoking and beautifully told. From the first page, I was drawn into Carley's story. She is a character not to be missed or forgotten." --Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming
Winner of the Tassy Walden Award for New Voice in Children's Literature
Synopsis
Paris has just moved in with the Lincoln family, and she isn?t thrilled to be in yet another foster home. She has a tough time trusting people, and she misses her brother, who?s been sent to a boys? home. Over time, the Lincolns grow on Paris. But no matter how hard she tries to fit in, she can?t ignore the feeling that she never will, especially in a town that?s mostly white while she is half black. It isn?t long before Paris has a big decision to make about where she truly belongs.
Synopsis
The author of the beloved
One for the Murphys gives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone whos ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didnt fit in.
Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”
Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that theres a lot more to herand to everyonethan a label, and that great minds dont always think alike.
Synopsis
A moving debut novel about a foster child learning to open her heart to a family's love
Carley uses humor and street smarts to keep her emotional walls high and thick. But the day she becomes a foster child, and moves in with the Murphys, she's blindsided. This loving, bustling family shows Carley the stable family life she never thought existed, and she feels like an alien in their cookie-cutter-perfect household. Despite her resistance, the Murphys eventually show her what it feels like to belong--until her mother wants her back and Carley has to decide where and how to live. She's not really a Murphy, but the gifts they've given her have opened up a new future.
About the Author
Nikki Grimes conveyed the fire-in-the-belly fervor of a Harlem girl who knows she was born to write in
Jazmin's Notebook, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. In
My Man Blue, a Booklist Editor's Choice and Newsweek Children's Books of the Year selection, her artful words expressed a boy's journey from skepticism to trust. And now with
Bronx Masquerade she presents a rich chorus of eighteen voices, singing openly about ideas, feelings, and questions--things that open minds, invite debate, provide release. A recent Booklist review proclaims: "As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they're looking for--real characters who show them they are not alone."
An accomplished poet, novelist, journalist, and educator, Ms. Grimes was born and raised in New York City and now lives in the Los Angeles area.
You can learn more about her at this website address: www.visitingauthors.com