Get out your Kleenex

I hardly ever, ever, ever get choked up at a book, but One for the Murphys by Lynda Mulally Hunt was an exception.  After being horrifically betrayed by her mother and abused by her stepfather, Carley is placed in a foster home: Mr. and Mrs. Murphy and their three sons.  She really doesn't want to be there and is convinced that she's not worthy of the love and respect shown to her, especially by Mrs. Murphy, who seems (to Carley) too good to be true.  Carley eventually warms up to the family and even makes a friend at school, but then...but THEN...she visits her mom in the hospital and no longer is sure of where she belongs - with her mom (stepdad is now out of the picture), whom she still loves but who got her in this foster situation?  With the Murphys, who offer a warm, safe environment?  Short chapters keep this book moving quickly, and Carley's first-person narrative will tug at your heart.