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 against another edition
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
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
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
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
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
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.
elouisevb's review against another edition
4.0
I found that this book took me a while to get into, but after I was sucked in found I couldn't put it down. I felt so sorry for Marin and what she had to go through at such a young age, I can't imagine what it would be like if my mum abandoned me. It was such a tough thing for her mentally and physically so search non-stop for her biological mum. I felt so happy for Marin when she finally realized that Lucy was the perfect mum for her, even if Lucy wasn't her birth mother. I was disgusted and heartbroken when Marin's biological mother didn't want her, especially since Marin had tracked Summer down and found her, and waited for her. However it broke my heart when I found out the Gilda Blackbourne was going to report the missing child (Marin), I mean isn't obvious that Main and Lucy were like the perfect mother and daughter in a family. But at the end when the judge let Lucy keep Marin I was so happy for them. I think it was such a good idea to get a pet, too, I laughed a bit when Marin said 'can we have an owl?'
Overall I give this book a 4.75. A very good book and would defiantly recommend it to someone if they were looking for a book about fostering and heartbreak.
Overall I give this book a 4.75. A very good book and would defiantly recommend it to someone if they were looking for a book about fostering and heartbreak.