One for the Murphys

By: Lynda Hunt

Narrated by: Nora Hunter

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)

loved it

I loved this story great book about love and attachment for foster children a d families as a whole.

I’m gonna cry

This book is amazing and it makes me feel. I just finished it and I’m gonna cry!

Very accurate and moving.

I personally loved this book. (a), I loved how Carley changed in the book. (b), it really explains how a foster kid gets to fit in. The only thing that i thought disappointing is that the ending of this book is not what I expected. However, 100% recommend!

beautiful story.

I loved this...listened with my daughter (11). All my children are adopted and listening to stories that show so much compassion for both sides of the family are very helpful for opening positive conversations and deepening understanding. I cried a few times, not from sadness but just from the touching humanness of the characters. A beautiful book.

good but didn’t have me that hooked

I was finding it a bit boring and slow paced but overall it was a a great book.

Best book ever

This is my new favorite book!!!! It is so meaningful and because I always love to help foster kids

Lessons learned

This was a great book because it taught me that it's ok to show your feelings and it's ok to love people.

Great reading for a young pre-teen child.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to pre-teen children in the hopes that it would help them to reflect on their significant other.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I can't decide whether it is Carly or Mrs. Murphy. Both are major characters and you get to know them well.

What does Nora Hunter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Hunter makes this book come alive. Great job!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not an extreme reaction however reflection on your own child hood.

Any additional comments?

I bought this book for my grand daughter for her 10th birthday along with a cook book for cake pops. She had asked for these among other things.

It’s my favorite book 📚

I would definitely suggest reading fish in a tree then read shouting at the rain and finely this one but this one is my favorite book ever!! Love it so much!
🥰🥰🥰😍😚

Great

Loved this story full of emotions made me teary eyed at the end of the book