One for the Murphys

A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating a significant family transition, feeling like an outsider in their own home, or struggling to trust new people. It is particularly resonant for families managing foster care, adoption, or blended family dynamics where a child might feel 'split' between two worlds. The story follows twelve-year-old Carley Connors, who is placed in foster care with the warm, seemingly perfect Murphy family after a traumatic incident with her mother. As Carley moves from defensive humor and guardedness to genuine vulnerability, the book explores themes of belonging, the definition of family, and the courage it takes to be loved. While it deals with heavy emotional topics like neglect and the foster system, the tone remains accessible for middle schoolers. It is a powerful tool for opening conversations about empathy, the complexity of loving a parent who has let you down, and the reality that family is defined by more than just biology.