![One for the Murphys](https://stars.library.ucf.edu/diversefamilies/2992/thumbnail.jpg)
One for the Murphys
Publisher
Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication Year
2013
ISBN
9780142426524
Pages
256 pages
Genre
realism
Format
novel
Item Type
Fiction
Annotation
Follows the experiences of foster kid Carley, who uses humor and street smarts to cope with her unpredictable life until the loving, bustling Murphy family offers her more stability and a greater sense of belonging than she ever thought possible.
Grade Level
3-5; 6-8
Lexile Measure
520L
Diversity Topics
Family Relationships; Foster care; Step parent; Family violence; foster parents; foster sibling; foster child; step father; domestic abuse; abuse; rage
Main Character
female child
Race/Ethnicities
White
Family Formation
mother and step father; foster mother and father
Awards
Distinguished Books, 2012 Fiction
Heartland Books Recommendation for Life-Long Readers - Excellence in Young Adult Literature, 2013 Young Adult
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 2012
VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers, 2012
Goodreads Choice Award, 2012, Nominee, Middle Grade
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award, 2016, 1st Place, Division II
Virginia Readers' Choice Award, 2015, Winner, Middle School
Keywords
family problems; mother's love; mothers and daughters; Red Sox; Las Vegas; Connecticut; new school; friendship; belonging; anger; self-esteem; self-reliance
Diversity Impact
direct
STARS Citation
Hunt, Lynda Mullaly, "One for the Murphys" (2013). Diverse Families. 1993.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/diversefamilies/1993