One for the Murphys

By: Lynda Mullaly 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.


"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, three-time Newbery Honor author of After Tupac and D Foster

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

"This is a beautiful book, filled with hope. You'll cry and laugh along with Carley as she learns to lower her defenses enough to love--and, more surprisingly, be loved. It's a story you'll long remember." —Patricia Reilly Giff, Newbery Honor-winning author of Pictures of Hollis Woods and Lily's Crossing

"Undeniably affecting. Hunt's writing is strong and her characters well-developed and believable." —Publishers Weekly

"One for the Murphys is a riveting story…” —Examiner.com

"This novel speaks to the universal experience of growing up but will especially resonate with readers who have questioned the hands they have been dealt and wonder how to move forward nonetheless." —The Horn Book

"An astonishing debut! Lynda Mullaly Hunt's direct style of writing has readers rooting for Carley Connors and all of the Murphys from start to satisfying finish." —Leslie Connor, ALA Schneider Family Award-winning author of Waiting for Normal and Crunch

"An incredibly touching novel.” —TheStorySiren.com

“Absolutely astonishing.” —Bookalicious.org

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.