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One for the Murphys
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
One for the Murphys introduces you to Carley, a foster child with a sharp wit and even sharper emotional walls. She's learned to keep the world at bay, especially after landing in the seemingly picture-perfect Murphy household. At first, Carley feels like an alien, a tough city kid among a family that radiates warmth and stability, things she's never known. Watching her slowly, reluctantly, let down her guard and experience what it means to truly belong is the heart of this story. It's a deeply emotional read that doesn't shy away from the pain of her past or the difficult choices she faces, but it also overflows with genuine hope and the quiet power of a family's unconditional love. This book is a tender exploration of what makes a home, perfect for readers who cherish stories about resilience, found family, and the bittersweet journey of learning to trust.
10 Books similar to 'One for the Murphys'
If Carley's journey of finding her place resonated deeply with you, you'll appreciate these other stories that explore the profound impact of found family. We've gathered books where resilient young protagonists, often feeling like a fish out of water, navigate the complexities of belonging and personal growth. Whether they're learning to trust new caregivers, grappling with their past, or discovering unexpected bonds, each recommendation shares that same heartwarming yet bittersweet emotional core of overcoming adversity and truly opening one's heart.
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Written by the same author as One for the Murphys, this story captures a similar emotional resonance through a protagonist who feels like an outsider. It explores themes of hidden struggles and the transformative power of a supportive mentor, much like Carley's journey with Mrs. Murphy.
Gilly is a tough, defensive foster child who, like Carley, uses sarcasm as a shield against getting hurt. Readers will appreciate the raw, honest portrayal of a young girl learning to lower her guard and accept love in an unexpected family setting.
This Newbery Honor book follows a foster girl who expresses her emotions through art rather than words. Its focus on the longing for a 'forever family' and the fear of belonging mirrors the central conflict Carley faces in the Murphy household.
After a sudden tragedy, a gifted but eccentric girl must find a new place to belong among a group of struggling individuals. Like One for the Murphys, it celebrates the beauty of unconventional families and the resilience of the human spirit.
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Set during WWII, this novel features a young girl escaping an abusive home and discovering what it means to be cared for. The emotional arc of learning to trust and the internal struggle of feeling unworthy of love will deeply resonate with fans of Carley's story.
This powerful memoir provides a real-life look at the foster care system that inspired many fictional accounts. It echoes Carley's experiences with multiple placements and the difficult search for a stable, loving environment.
by Robin Benway
This story follows three biological siblings—one raised in foster care, two adopted—as they find each other. It explores the complexities of identity and the different ways family can be defined, similar to the 'found family' dynamics in Hunt's work.
by Betsy Byars
Three foster children who feel like 'pinballs'—bounced from one home to another—eventually find strength in one another. It shares the same blend of humor and heartbreak found in One for the Murphys as the characters learn to take control of their lives.
A young boy is abandoned by his mother at a campsite and must navigate his way back while dealing with the emotional fallout of her mental health struggles. The themes of parental disappointment and survival are very similar to Carley's backstory.
by Susan Patron
Lucky is a young girl living in a small town who fears her guardian will abandon her. The narrative voice is intimate and observational, capturing the same sense of vulnerability and the search for stability that defines Carley's character.
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