Lynda Mullaly Hunt received the Tassy Walden Award for her first draft of One for the Murphys, which is her debut novel. She lives in Marlborough, Connecticut.
* "Carley is a modern-day Gilly Hopkins, bright and strong, angry
and deeply hurt. . . . By the end of this poignant debut, readers
will be applauding Carley's strength. . . . A worthy addition to
the foster-family shelf." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Hunt's heart-wrenching debut believably captures Carley's painful
one-step-forward, two-steps-back process, particularly as she acts
out in order to protect dealing with her emotions. . . . Carley
promises Mrs. Murphy that she'll 'have a happy life someday,' and
readers will be cheering her on." — Booklist
"Carley's struggles with anger, regret, and self-worth both balance
and deepen this coming-of-age tale. . . . 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. . . . Vacillates between uplifting and
heartbreaking as Carley learns to love, be loved, and let go." —
The Horn Book
"Undeniably affecting. Hunt's writing is strong and her characters
well-developed and believable . . . readers will . . . be drawn
into this story of a girl's struggle against the ingrained belief
that she is undeserving of kindness and generosity." — Publishers
Weekly
"This debut novel holds its own. . . . Affectingly told. Believing
that she can, someday, have a loving family of her own . . . makes
a different kind of happy ending. Middle grade and teen readers
will find this an engaging story." — Voice of Youth Advocates
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