Recommended Age:
11
+
Best for readers who enjoy emotionally honest, character-driven stories about trauma, foster care, and the complicated question of where home and family begin.
About the Book
Twelve-year-old Carley is placed in foster care with the Murphy family after her stepfather hurts her and her mother fails to protect her, and must learn to trust again while navigating the possibility that her mother may want her back. A deeply affecting novel about trauma, foster care, and the complex question of what makes a family.
Content Ratings
💡
Moderate Themes
Carley is processing physical abuse, maternal betrayal, and the fear of being hurt again; her journey toward trusting the Murphy family while fearing she will be returned to her mother creates sustained emotional tension; themes of trauma and healing are central.
⚔️
Moderate Violence
Carley has been physically abused by her stepfather and emotionally betrayed by her mother; the abuse is not depicted graphically but is central to Carley's emotional state.
Engagement:
Genre:
Adventure
Published:
2012
Page Count:
224
