Best Chapter Books That Make You Cry
There are only a few books that I read and reread knowing that I’ll sob like a baby. Ever After Ever by Jordan Sonnenblick is one of them.
Still, both of these Young Adult chapter book novels don’t have a manipulative quality like Terms of Endearment where you are blindsided at the end with the mom dying of cancer making you cry against your will. I hate that kind of manipulation!
No, One for the Murphys is straight up about a foster child, Carley, whose stepfather with partial assistance from her own white trash mother has beaten her up so badly she ends up from the hospital to foster care.
Have you ever thought of hosting a foster care child at your home? I have occasional “Mother Theresa” aspirations but honestly, I wasn’t even successful at getting our family dog from a pound or animal rescue outfit. And I did try. We visited 4 different times and I filled out an application online that was so extensive that it was like applying to college. But no puppy resulted from my efforts and we ended up dog sitting, falling in love the with the dog, and going to the same breeder to get a clone.
Husbands are vehemently opposed to rescue kids/foster kids. This is true for Mr. Murphy who is begrudging and suspicious that this is a very bad idea but his wife prevails which brings Carley into their lives. At first, it is very tough going. But Mrs. Murphy is able to penetrate Carley’s heart to convince her that she is worthy of love and that she can have any life she wants. Pretty powerful stuff.
When Carley’s mother is well enough to leave the hospital herself, she wants Carley back and Carley is torn between the life she knew and the life before her. Which will she choose and what will become of her?
I hope that there is a sequel to this book. I have a feeling that this story isn’t over yet. True, Mrs. Murphy was able to plant seeds of courage and aspiration that will sustain Carley but I have no doubt that her mother will return to her old ways. Will Mrs. Murphy ever see Carley again? Is this respite from Carley’s old life enough to catapult her to a new life someday? She is still so young that I worry about her.
Yes, Lynda Hunt has written such an amazing book that you will feel like you know these characters intimately. You will worry about them in your spare time. They will become important to you. Please write the sequel!
You can read the first chapter here for FREE!
One for the Murphys by Lynda Hunt
Praise for One for the Murphys:
“An astonishing debut! Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s direct style of writing has readers rooting for Carley Connors and all of the Murphys from start to satisfying finish.”
~~Leslie Connor, ALA Schneider Family Award-winning author of Waiting for Normal and Crunch.
“This is a beautiful book, filled with hope. You’ll cry and laugh along with Carley as she learns to lower her defenses enough to love—and, more surprisingly, be loved. It’s a story you’ll long remember.”
~~Patricia Reilly Giff, Newbery Honor-winning author of Pictures of Hollis Woods and Lilys Crossing
One for the Murphys is the winner of the Tassy Walden Awards for New Voices in Children’s Literature
I am giving away a SIGNED Copy of the Book. Please leave a comment to win. US and Canada only, please.
Congrats to Sarah who won the signed copy of One for the Murphys.
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Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
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Wow – no one has commented yet? With a great review like that? I’ll bite!
Hi Dee,
Yes, loved this book. You are entered to win!
Oh, thanks so much for this lovely review. I am honored that you enjoyed getting to know Carley and the Murphys. Thanks so much for being part of my blog tour! 🙂
Hi Lynda,
Loved your book and sorry to miss you when you came to Newtonville Books last week. Thanks for stopping by and I truly enjoyed being a part of your blog tour!
I would love to be included in the giveaway!
Hi John,
You are entered to win!
Oh I so need to win this book. As a once foster mom, I can’t wait to read it.
Jean
Hi Jean,
As a former foster mom, you need this book! You are entered to win!
Sounds like an amazing read–thanks for the chance at winning!
~Maria
Hi Maria,
You are entered to win!
I would love to read it!!!
Hi Sarah,
You are entered to win!
My grandma says this book is awesome, and that she thinks Lynda is awesome, too. I would love a copy of this book. If I win it, I’ll even let my grandma Dawn Dixon read it! Ha, ha, ha! 🙂
Hi Carrie,
You are nice to share if you win! You are entered to win!
Sounds like a great book! I would love a copy!!
Hi Celeste,
You are entered to win!
This sounds like an amazing story. We will have to check this out either way! Thanks.
Hi Liz,
You are entered to win!
I also hope there will be a sequel to this book! Thank you for offering this great giveaway!
I missed out on meeting Lynda Hunt when she was at B&N last week in the next town over – but was excited to find out that she is making another visit at my local B&N in WH!
Hi Melanie,
She was in Newton too last week and I missed her too (bummer!). You are entered to win!
Sounds good- I haven’t read a good tear jerker in a long time.
Hi Artchoo,
You will definitely cry from this book, but in a good way! You are entered to win!
Sounds good – sometimes you need a good cry! Thanks for the chance to win!
Hi Ann,
No problem. Good luck!
this is a wonderful list! will pass it along to my younger teen. she loves these kind of books. please enter me too!
Hi Vanita,
I’m so glad and you are entered to win!
Another great review. I am dying to read this. My son was in foster care for 8 months before he was adopted.
Hi Kristen,
Thanks so much. I’ve been reading reviews of her book as well and everyone is raving about it. You are entered to win by the way.
Lynda, I agree wholeheartedly. The Class of 2k12 is rllaey quite special. Never have I encountered such supportive people nor experienced such genuine caring and camaraderie. Congratulations on your pub day, and may you continue to feel the love!!!
Hi Kemuel,
How wonderful to have such a great supportive group of authors all debuting the same year. Congrats to ALL of you!