mdettmann's review
4.0
A great MG title about a girl in foster care looking for her mother, a woman who wants to be her mother, a rigid social worker who decides to give them a chance, and an owl observing everything. The book has a lyrical feel to it and for such a short book, it still manages to flesh out its 4 POVs well.
ambersbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lazygal's review
4.0
Marin's life hasn't been easy: she remembers her mother literally giving her away and foster care hasn't even begun to give her love or care. Then, through a couple of coincidences, she ends up with Dr. Chang, a single doctor who really wants a daughter (and possibly a cat) to love. There are lessons learned, etc. but ultimately it's a happy ending. My quibble is with the owl - huh? Although it does make for a great cover!
Copy provided by publisher.
Copy provided by publisher.
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
5.0
I loved how the story was written with the different narrators and what each narrator contributed to the story. The quick pace had me finishing this book quickly, yet it already landed a spot in my heart.
balto_hon's review against another edition
2.0
I am leery of putting this one in my classroom library where I always have students that have experience with the foster care system. I absolutely believe that we need books about that experience but this one felt uncomfortably Orphan Annie or Pollyanna-ish.
yapha's review against another edition
5.0
Another book that I put off reading because of a non-enticing cover and descriptions that don't do it justice. When will I learn? I would rate this more as a 4 1/2 stars -- I could have done without the owl.
Marin has been in the foster care system since her mother abandoned her when she was 4. She has moved from home to home in San Francisco over the past eight years, but has never given up hope of her mother coming for her. When she learns that her mother is about to give up parental rights forever, Marin sets out to find her, even though this may mean losing the possibility of a forever home. This is a quick read, but a powerful story nonetheless. The perspectives alternate between Marin, her potential adopted mother, the case worker, an owl, and the tectonic plates under San Francisco. (Seriously.) Marin's chapters are particularly powerful and readers will identify with her longing to be found. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
Marin has been in the foster care system since her mother abandoned her when she was 4. She has moved from home to home in San Francisco over the past eight years, but has never given up hope of her mother coming for her. When she learns that her mother is about to give up parental rights forever, Marin sets out to find her, even though this may mean losing the possibility of a forever home. This is a quick read, but a powerful story nonetheless. The perspectives alternate between Marin, her potential adopted mother, the case worker, an owl, and the tectonic plates under San Francisco. (Seriously.) Marin's chapters are particularly powerful and readers will identify with her longing to be found. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
abigailbat's review against another edition
3.0
Short, poetic chapters tell a story from multiple perspectives. Marin has been in foster care, waiting for her mother to come back for her, since she was four. Now she's eleven and the social worker brings the great news that her mother has terminated her parental rights and Marin can finally be adopted. But to Marin, who has counted on her mother coming for her when she was ready, this news is devastating.
Hand this one to kids who enjoy foster kid stories and stories that make them feel the feels.
Hand this one to kids who enjoy foster kid stories and stories that make them feel the feels.
jgoins's review against another edition
4.0
Very nice Juvenile book. I'm trying to read more of this genre for my upcoming 3rd to 5th grade book club. I think this would be a good selection to open some interesting discussions. The main character, Marin, is an orphan in the foster care system in San Francisco. She won't give up on the hope that her mother will come for her and want her back, even when she is living with a woman who would very much like to be her adoptive mother. Oh, and there's an owl who is going through his own issues.