44 pages • 1 hour read
Lynda Mullaly HuntOne for the Murphys
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, published in 2012, follows Carley Connors, a 12-year-old girl placed in foster care after her mother is hospitalized due to domestic abuse. Carley struggles with feelings of betrayal and mistrust as she adjusts to the loving Murphy family. Her experiences with the Murphys help her understand the complexities of family relationships and build resilience. This book includes incidents of domestic abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s One for the Murphys has been widely praised for its heartfelt exploration of foster care and resilience. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and relatable characters, especially the protagonist, Carley. Criticisms include some predictable plot points and occasional sentimentality. Overall, it is considered a touching and thought-provoking middle-grade novel.
Who Should Read One for the Murphys?
Readers who enjoyed Wonder by R.J. Palacio or Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt will find One for the Murphys compelling. Ideal for middle-grade audiences, this novel appeals to those who appreciate stories about resilience and the transformative power of kindness in the face of adversity.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
520LBook Details
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Realistic Fiction
Children's Literature
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Parenting
Relationships
Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness
Emotions/Behavior: Love
Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger