Today’s “Reader Testimonial” comes from Irene, new mom, staff with Koinonia Berkeley at Gracepoint Berkeley church, and as you’ll find out, a social worker by day.

Just wanted to share a bit about my experience reading the book One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. I am not much of a reader. I don’t read unless it’s mandatory, for the most part. But Emily suggested this book for me as a professional recommendation.  And it had me in tears as I read.

Working as a social worker in the child welfare system, this story about a child navigating her way through the system really struck home. The author was able to give light to the child’s emotional challenges and the reality of being in such a painful and tumultuous situation. The story helped give voice to the many clients I have worked with over the years. And it helped me to experience a renewed excitement for reading. As a professing non-reader, I was encouraged by the suggestion that fit my interest. And it was an easy read, and so engaging that I just couldn’t put it down!

Emily here: This is a favorite among many readers, young and old alike. And despite the semi-girly cover, and the female protagonist, this is a favorite among young men too! Almost everyone who has read this book has cried or gotten choked up. This is classified as a “middle grades” book, so it’s appropriate for 5th grade and up…all the way up! 🙂

For fans of One for the Murphys, Hunt’s newest novel is called Fish in a Tree, which is also awesome! It’s also awesome that it is available at Coscto, though of course, here at Bibliopolis, we do try to support independent bookstores, such as Books Inc. 🙂

Have you read One for the Murphys? If so, what did you think? Any youth out there want to write a youth book review for Fish in a Tree?