One for the Murphys

By: Lynda Hunt

Narrated by: Nora Hunter

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

A moving debut novel about a foster child learning to open her heart to a family's love.

Carley uses humor and street smarts to keep her emotional walls high and thick. But the day she becomes a foster child and moves in with the Murphys, she's blindsided. This loving, bustling family shows Carley the stable family life she never thought existed, and she feels like an alien in their cookie-cutter-perfect household.

Despite her resistance, the Murphys eventually show her what it feels like to belong - until her mother wants her back, and Carley has to decide where and how to live. She's not really a Murphy, but the gifts they've given her have opened up a new future.

©2012 Lynda Mullaly Hunt (P)2015 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"Hunt's writing is fearless and One for the Murphys is a story that is at once compassionate, thought-provoking and beautifully told. From the first page, I was drawn into Carley's story. She is a character not to be missed or forgotten." (Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming)

“By the end of this poignant debut, readers will be applauding Carley’s strength.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Readers will be cheering her on.” (Booklist)

So glad I read this!

Wow! This is such a heart warming book. Get the tissues ready. My 6th grade daughter read it first and told me I HAD to read it because she loved it so much and wanted to read it again right away. I’m so glad I took her recommendation. ❤️

So sad!!!!

Are you kidding me. Why would you end a book like this. I have never hated an ending this much!!!!!!!

Good besides ending

I liked this book a lot but the worst part was the ending. I hated the way it ended.

Emotional read for families

My family and I enjoyed this book. We rooted for Carley there whole way.

What I liked

This book was amazing. I think that it is sophisticated yet younger children will be able to understand it. I like how this book is not a problem that happens a lot this is good because more people will be interested.

Great read!

I wish the ending had been different, but it was so good in a bittersweet way

A book with a lot of heart and personality.

This book has lovable characters and a good story. I love Carly’s personality and the Murphys are a great wholesome family. I also liked the relationship between Carly and Tony. SPOILERS. I wasn’t crazy about the end. I understand the end and why it was written the way it was. Still, I’m left disappointed when Carly decides to leave the Murphys and her best friend to go back to her mom. I REALLY didn’t like the mom and felt she had no significant character growth through the book. I imagine that was by design. The story of the giving tree sort of explains that. Still, a kid shouldn’t be the one in that position but it’s a fictional story so it fits the plot. Over all really enjoyed and have listened to it several times. I have the physical copy and the ebook. Highly recommend, if that’s not obvious at this point.

I’m literally dying inside

I’m loved this book Evan if I wanna kill Rainer about 15 times during the book

Such a great book that should’ve had a better ending!

Yes I know this is a realistic ending but not knowing what happened after her and her biological mom moved away left far too much left unknown. Can’t believe that her mom suddenly changed her ways and became the mom this girl needed. Hate that I have ti decide the outcome as that’s why I pay to read a book is for the author to do their work and find an ending to let you know what happened to the girl and what kind of life she lived afterward and if she ever got to see her only “real loved and good” family again and if her mom kept herself together and away from trash men in Vegas. Disappointed in such a great book with needed an epilogue.

Good book for older kids

I hated this book when I was little but now I love it. Great book for teens or pre-teens.