I love when a book moves me, really touches the deepest parts of my heart.  Books that allow me to truly connect with the characters, to feel their every joy and disappointment, are those that I stay awake thinking about long after I've read the last word.  Books such as these are ones that I journal about, recommend to friends and students, and sometimes even reread.  I am always searching for books that have characters and plots that stick with me for days, weeks, even months into the future. 

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullay Hunt is one of the most heart-wrenching, beautiful stories of loss, love, friendship, and family.  I literally devoured it, turning the last pages with tears streaming down my face.  I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with almost every character in this book.  Since finishing it last night, I have recommended it to everyone I have spoken to, and I am eager to share it with my students when they return to school on Tuesday.

Carley ends up in a foster home with the Murphy's after her mom's new husband lands both of them in the hospital.  All Carley can remember from that night is her mom holding her leg for her stepfather to hit her.  In Carley's mind, her mom doesn't care what happens to her, so no one else will either.  When Mrs. Murphy is nice to Carley, she keeps waiting for her - and trying to force her - to leave her behind.  No matter how hard Carley pushes, Mrs. Murphy doesn't go away.

Carley slowly begins to feel at home with Mr. and Mrs. Murphy and their three sons.  She even manages to make a friend, Toni, after a rough start.  For once, Carley knows what it feels like to be part of a real, normal family, which is quite the opposite to her gambling, drinking mother.  Then, Carley gets a call that her mother is getting better.  She is faced with the realization that she will most likely have to return to her mother and leave her "family" behind.  Carley is forced to confront and acknowledge her feelings.

This is more than a story of a girl in foster care.  This is a story of hope.  It is a story of one young girl learning to love and of learning to accept the love of others.  Carley has a tough outer shell, but once she starts letting people in, you get a glimpse of what a truly wonderful, talented young lady she is...and how much she just needs a little love in her life.

This book made me sad because I realized that there are so many people that don't know the unconditional love of a mother.  It also made me happy because I realized that while things may not be perfect in life, there is always someone out there that can inspire you, support you, and teach you to "become someone's hero."  I think so many students will be able to connect with this book, and it will hopefully leave them with the sense that they ARE important to someone, somewhere.

I can't say enough good things about One for the Murphys.  It is one of the best middle grade novels I have read in a long time.  I know this is one book that will stay with me for years to come.