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.

A wonderful smile...FINALLY

I didn't know until I was finished that Smile by Raina Telgemeier is based on something that really happened to the author. Poor Raina had an accident as a 12-year-old that caused her to lose her two front teeth. She goes through years of surgery, braces, false teeth, and pain on her way to a beautiful smile. Doesn't quite sound like the basis of a graphic novel, does it? But it works! The story is told with humor, even as Raina is going through typical middle school situations of crushes, betrayal of frenemies, and changing family dynamics. The characters are simply drawn, but the emotions are definitely there, and you'll cheer for Raina as she finds a new group of friends. A great story that shows readers no matter how tough your situation, it will eventually get better....just maybe not in the way you think.