Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

 Sam (Samantha) has experienced homelessness, abuse, and betrayal. As an orphan, she seeks solace in the classics and hiding behind the characters (especially Jane Austen's characters). When an anonymous benefactor offers to pay her tuition to attend Northwestern Univerisity's Medill School of Journalism, she seizes the opportunity. The benefactor requires her to write letters to him with updates on her progress. He will not reply. 

Through these letters, readers learn about Sam's past, the walls she has built, and how she slowly removes her sturdy wall, brick by brick. 

Minor characters who influence her seem to have a relationship with God. During the novel Sam does not accept Christ as her Savior, but the reader knows she is beginning her search for Him. 

Within the last year I had read Daddy-Long- Legs by Jean Webster (which inspried Ms. Reay's plot for this book). I could predict the plot from page one.  Although the plot was very predictable, I enjoyed immersing myself in Sam's life and almost read this book in one sitting. It is easy reading (like a "beach read"). I loved the references to the classics.

I liked this book better than Ms. Reay's The Printed Letter Bookshop. 

Before sharing with a teen: Sam was abused by her parents and a foster family, her dad was going pimp her out but she runs away (a man feels her up and other men check her out), her boyfriend Josh pressures her to be intimate with him (the word "sex" is never mentioned but inferred)-she doesn't give into the pressure, her younger friend is abused by his foster parents

-Borrowed via ILL.

Jupiter Rising by Gary D. Schmidt*

 Mr. Schmidt develops characters so well. As a reader you are drawn to them and care about them. Jupiter Rising is a sequel to Orbiting Jupiter. I recommend reading the books in order. I loved this book. I also enjoy seeing characters from previous Schmidt novels pop up in other ones (Doug Swietek's brother, who is now a Coach and PE teacher,appears in this book). 

Jack loves Jupiter, Joseph's three-year-old daughter. Jack's parents are in the process of adopting her when Jupiter's grandparents (Madeleine's parents) decide that they want her. Jack cannot take losing another person he loves. But it looks like the law will side with the grandparents. Then Jack's running buddy Jay is hit by a truck while he is running. How much more can an eighth grade boy handle?

I love how Mr. Schmidt advocates the sanctity of life through these two novels. He does not shield the reader from the pain and suffering involved with teens having a baby, with foster care, and with the adoption process. I also love the supportive, wise adults that influence the young people. 

*Highly recommend for mature junior highers or older. See warnings/considerations.

Warnings/considerations: Jupiter is the result of a teen pregnancy, both of her parents died in the previous novel, swearing, hit/run accident, neglectful parents (BUT, Jack's parents are wonderful-a realistic portrayal of families-some wonderful, some horrible/selfish), the grandfather smokes

-Borrowed from the library.

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt*

 I could have read this book in one sitting. Mr. Schmidt writes with clarity. His perfect word choice allows the reader to visualize and to experience the story through the senses. 

Eighth-grader Joseph is a father. He almost killed his teacher. He has been incarcerated. When the Hurd family fostered him, they knew his back story and embraced him and his past. Slowly, through the Hurd family's love and the comfort found on a  Maine farm, Joseph opens up and allows love to soften him. Then his biological father decides to interfere . . .and Joseph is determined to find his daughter, Jupiter.

A very sad ending enfused with hope

Categorized as "young adult"-warnings: teen pregnancy (Joseph's premarital encounter with Madeleine is not described in detail), death of a beloved character, abusive father

*Highly recommend for high school and older.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere

 Two stories, one from 1972 and one from 2012, are joined together by a handmade kitchen table. 

Joan, a young mother, is diagnosised with breast cancer which spreads to her lungs. She and her husband journey through the difficult days by supporting each other. Her husband discovers that he needs God and turns to him. During these days he attempts to build a kitchen table. 

Forty years later Lauren, a newly expectant mother, purchases a kitchen table. Inside the table drawer she discovers handwritten recipes. Growing up in the foster care system, she never learned to cook. She teaches herself how to cook via the mentorship of the anonymous recipe writer. Through clues within the comments on the recipes, she attempts to find the recipe owner.

This book was a "light" read, a Hallmark-type book with the perfect ending. A beach read, vacation read when you want to give your brain a break. A lot of the space was given to recipe directions/ingredients within the narrative. The author includes complete recipes in the back.

-Borrowed from the library.

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis**

-Award winner -John Newbery Medal

 I read this aloud to my boys, ages eleven and fourteen.  We all thoroughly enjoyed.  My fourteen year old liked it the most out of the books I have read aloud so far this year.  The boys probably would not have read it on their own.  But it is a worthy book to encourage kids to read!  

Bud Caldwell is weary of living in the orphange or in foster homes.  So after a particularly abusive foster family, he goes on the "lam".  He knows his father is Herman E. Calloway, who is part of the famous band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression!!!!!!  From Flint, Michigan, Bud sets off to find his father in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

What I loved about this book was the character development.  Bud is so likable and well-developed.  Even the gentlemen in the band, minor characters, are well-developed.  Mr. Curtis is a master of portraying real life--heartbreaking situations coupled with laugh-out-loud comments and events.  This book brought tears to my eyes and also made me burst out laughing.  

We also listened to some chapters on audio during weeks we were in the car more frequently.  Mr. James Avery was a delight to listen to and portrayed the different characters well.

Warning: Although it is marketed to middle grade, I would recommend it for middle school and up.  The themes would be valued more by an older audience/readers.  Bud faces abuse  in his foster care setting.  A girl kisses him, and he likes it!  His mom's death is brought up a few times.  This is a book I would recommend reading with and discussing with your kids.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-We own this book.  We borrowed the audiobook.

Hideout by Watt Key

 After being beaten up by two boys at school, Sam does not like himself.  To prove that he is brave, he takes his new boat out into the Alabama swamp to search for a dead body.  Instead, he discovers Davey living in an abandoned camp.  The boys soon develop a secret friendship.  As their relationship develops, Sam realizes that Davey's secrets could launch the boys into serious trouble.

I kept reading this book into the wee hours of the morning.  The suspense is well-crafted,  and the plot compels the reader to read "just one more chapter".  I felt, however, that ending was too long for how fast the rest of the plot was.  Davey's adoption process was sweet, but it felt tagged onto the end of another wise suspenseful story.  

Sam and his parents attend church.  It seems like Sam's mother is the only one who values a relationship with God (she works at the church too).  Sam's dad attends because he knows his wife wants him there and out of duty.  Sam daydreams and does not listen to the sermons.  When he does pray, it is to bargain with God. 

Points to discuss/warnings: swearing, lying, divorce, underage drinking/smoking, murder, drugs (marijuana)/drug dealers, violence (When the two boys beat up Sam and his friend Grover, it is graphic; a dead body is found; Slade, Davey's step-brother is evil and resorts to violence).

-Borrowed from the library.

Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes

A Memoir
Through poetry and free verse, Ms. Grimes shares her story from her early years through teen years.  As she deals with a very sick mother ( paranoid schizophrenia and alcoholic), a father and an extended family who abandon her, her mother's boyfriend who is sexually abusive, foster care, she still discovers God's grace and light in the darkness.  A teacher also encourages her to write which sends her on her future path and "calling".
As I read this memoir, I was so sad and angry that a child would have to endure such hardship.  I was also amazed how she poured out her heart to God with honesty and did not abandon hope in Him.

The library system has this book labeled "YA"-young adult (see warnings).
Warnings: Ms. Grimes relates her life story with honesty and includes many topics that are not for the sensitive reader: drug abuse, alcohol abuse, abandonment, sexual abuse (told in detail), bullies/gangs (graphic violence), swearing

The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon

Award Winner
Several review sources recommended this novel, so I decided to read it aloud to my boys (ages nine and twelve).  My twelve year liked it okay, but my nine year old did not care for it.  He did not like how the brothers were choosing to disobey their parents and to make bad decisions.  So I stopped reading it aloud to them and read it to myself.
Caleb and his older brother, Bobby Gene,  have always lived in Sutton, Indiana.  Caleb longs to be not ordinary and experience life beyond their rural town.  Under no circumstances, however, does their dad want them to leave their community.  It is safe.  In fact, he does not even permit the boys to go on field trips to the Indianapolis' museum with their classmates!  Then Styx Malone, a sixteen year old foster "child", appears in their woods one summer morning.  Styx takes risks.  He seizes life.  He is not safe.  Soon the brothers find themselves in circumstances that involve lying, disobeying and even stealing. Yet it is exhilarating to break out of their protective haven.  Caleb wants to live the life Styx has-freedom to be and do what he wants.  Yet is Styx really satisfied?  Does the security of family and being loved  outweigh the freedom to have adventure?
Lots of opportunities to  discuss life, the impact of choices  and other deeper issues with children when reading this book.
The ending was satisfying. 
Point to discuss: Caleb, Bobby Gene and Styx are African American.  Caleb and Bobby Gene's father has reviewed what they are do if they are stopped by a police officer  to keep them safe.
Other points to discuss/Warnings: Caleb swears two times to show Styx he is "cool"-not a country bumpkin, peer pressure, lying, stealing, disobeying/disrespect, foster care

Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco

Welcome Comfort, a foster child, is having a challenging time fitting in at his new school.  Fortunately, Mr. Hamp, the school custodian, befriends him.  Throughout the years, Mr. and Mrs. Hamp provide a consistent relationship with him which bolsters his confidence.
One Christmas Eve, Welcome joins Santa Claus as he delivers gifts all over the world.  Welcome thinks he dreamed the entire event, but when Mr. Hamp retires as a custodian, Welcome discovers Mr. Hamp may be retiring from another job!
-We own this book.

Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan*

Award winner-Newbery Honor Book
This book is amazing.  It combines fantasy/magic and historical fiction and causes the reader to think deeply about prejudice.
The story begins with Otto in Germany who is lost in the woods.  Three sisters rescue him by giving him a harmonica.  This harmonica is the thread that weaves together the stories of Friedrich in Germany enduring Hitler's regulations, Mike in Philadelphia, PA who bears the burden of making sure he and his younger brother are not separated in the foster care system and lastly, Ivy in California, who faces ridicule and segregation because of her Mexican heritage and is horrified at the presumptions about the  American-Japanese during World War II.
Music plays a key role in the story.
Very well orchestrated and beautifully told and developed.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Walk to Beautiful by Jimmy Wayne with Ken Abraham*

The Power of Love and a Homeless Kid Who Found the Way
Country music singer/star, Jimmy Wayne, shares about his life as a child, living with an abusive mother who often would abandon him and then, reveals how God led him to an elderly couple who helped give him hope and a home.  He then dedicates his life (to the point he loses his contract with his music producer) to help older foster children find a way to love and hope.
A compelling read.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning/points to discuss: The reading level is definitely easy enough for junior high/high school students to read but parents/teachers should be aware that Jimmy is very open about abuse (emotionally, physically, sexual) he experienced as a child.  His mother also participated is some deviant sexual activities.

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt*

Carley, twelve years old, finds herself living in a foster home, the Murphys.  Her own mother is in the hospital recovering from an abusive husband (Carley's stepfather). As Carley processes the fact that her own mother held her foot so the stepfather could beat her, her toughness cannot overcome the kindness Mrs. Murphy pours on her each day.
Carley learns to take two worlds-her mother's world where being tough is supreme-and the Murphys where love and stability abound- and create an unique one for herself.
A very real portrayal of fostering families and the challenge they and the foster child may face.
I wanted the book to end differently . . .but Ms. Hunt presented an authentic picture of foster care.

Warning/Points to discuss: The scene where the stepfather beats Carley and her mother is described; lying; the youngest Murphy child has a seizure and it is described

*Highly recommend.

Guided Reading Level: Y (above 6th grade)
Grade Level Equivalency: 5th

I am looking forward to Ms. Hunt's new book Fish in a Tree about a girl who has dyslexia.

Disaster Strikes-Blizzard Night by Marlane Kennedy*

#3 in series
My second grader read this book to himself.  He liked it because it was exciting.
Once again Jayden is living with a new foster family.  He and the family are taking a trip to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan when a snow storm cause the van to crash.  Jayden, an avid reader, uses his knowledge to help him and his foster siblings survive.
*Highly recommend.
The books in this series are short (100 pages) so they appeal to reluctant readers or transitional readers who are building stamina.
Grade Level Equivalent: 4th grade
Guided Reading Level: Q (beginning of 4th grade)

Unstoppable by Tim Green*

What a captivating story!
Harrison, an eighth grader, has been in and out of foster homes all of his life.  The story begins with him living at a farm where he works hard and is treated with contempt and disrespect.
His anger gets the best of him one day and he finds himself on a path of despair.  One kind social worker sees through his anger and circumstances and provides a second chance. . .with her own daughter and son-in-law.  The son-in-law, "Coach", happens to be a junior high football coach and helps Harrison redirect his anger to the aggression needed to play football well.
Then Harrison finds a new challenge-cancer and an amputated leg.
A story of perseverance and unrelenting love.
The Coach and his wife pray before meals and regularly attend church but God is not mentioned in their daily lives and decisions.  Those added pieces (prayer and church) were refreshing in a secular, fiction book, though!

Points to discuss/warnings: physical/ental/emotional abuse; Harrison contributes to the farmer foster parent's death; some boys in the story are really mean to Harrison; cancer; death

Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech*

Twins, Florida and Dalla,  have experienced the cruelty of mankind as they live in a children's home, Boxton Creek Home for Children, directed by Mr. and Mrs. Trepid and have had their share of foster homes.  When elderly couple, Tiller and Sairy Morey, take the children to their home in Ruby Holler, the children slowly begin to hope and trust.
An exciting adventure in the woods and on the river solidify the relationships.
Then there is a mysterious man named "Z".  What is his connection to the Trepids, the Moreys and the children?
A book of hope.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss/warnings:  People treat Florida and Dallas cruelly.  Parents abandoning children.
Guided Reading Level:  V (5th grade-5.4)

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff**

An amazing story of wanting to belong and accepting when you find out you do belong.
This is a book I want to own!
Amazing writing and great character development.  I looked forward to every chance to read this novel.
**Highly, highly recommend.
There is a movie available based on this book.
Points to discuss/warning: abandonment, foster care/adoption, one time Hollis told a social worker that she drew "nudies" to be rude/cause a reaction (she does not draw nude people)

Newbery Honor Book

The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech

I read this in one sitting.  Ms. Creech is an amazing writer.. .she can create a powerful story that is short yet well developed.
John and Marta wake up to find a boy on their porch who cannot speak.  There is a note in his pocket that asks the couple to keep the boy until the person returns.
A lesson on loving and giving generously even though you know there may be pain and heartache.

Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan*

Willow Chance is adopted and is a genius.  When Willow's world is turn upside down, unexpected people step up and help her through her hardship.
I cannot review this book well enough.  The characterization and character development is superb.  Willow's story will remain in the reader's memory and one readers will want to savor and revisit.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss: death, cancer, two main guy characters watching "hot" girls on TV, brief paragraph about reproduction-in stand offish way.

Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord*

A beautiful story about family, belonging and accepting change.
Ms. Lord's depiction of island life made me want to leave immediately and visit this island!

Tess Brooks lives on a small Maine island with several other families.  The school-age population is declining so the state of Maine threatens to shut down the one room school.  To remedy this problem, a few families agree to have a foster children live with them.  Aaron comes to live with Tess' family who finds island life different from the other places he has lived.  The big question is will he ever feel like he belongs?
*Highly recommend.
If you like this book, read Rules by Cynthia Lord.

Points to discuss: drug and alcohol abuse (Aaron's mother-why he cannot live with her); lying