“Sometimes you have to be a little bit brave to be a little bit kind.”
— Carley reflects on her experiences with the Murphy family.
Archivist's Choice
One for the Murphys
Lynda Mullaly Hunt (2012)
Genre
Children's / Young Adult
Reading Time
220 min
Key Themes
See below
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A street-smart Las Vegas girl, hardened by betrayal, discovers the bewildering warmth of a foster family and the fragile hope of belonging, only to have her newfound world threatened by the past she can't escape.
Synopsis
Twelve-year-old Carley Connors, hardened by her difficult life in Las Vegas with her unpredictable mother, enters foster care after a traumatic event. She is placed with the Murphys, a stable family with three boys, and immediately struggles to accept their warmth. Carley keeps her emotional distance, particularly from Daniel, the son closest to her age who resents her presence. However, Mrs. Murphy's kindness, and the affection of the two younger boys, slowly break down Carley's defenses. She begins to feel a sense of belonging, protecting the boys from a bully and even teaching Daniel basketball. Just as Carley starts to believe she could truly be a part of their family, her biological mother reappears, promising a fresh start and forcing Carley to choose between the only family she's ever known and the first real home she's ever had. Ultimately, Carley's mother disappoints her again, leading Carley to realize that the Murphys are her true family. She says a tearful goodbye to the Murphys, understanding that while she cannot stay with them permanently, their love has changed her.
Reading time
220 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartwarming, Emotional, Hopeful, Realistic
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy heartwarming stories about found family, resilience, and the struggles of children in foster care. Perfect for readers who appreciate emotional depth and character-driven narratives.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fast-paced adventure stories or complex fantasy worlds, or if you are not in the mood for an emotionally intense, realistic portrayal of a child's journey through trauma and healing.
Plot Summary
A New Beginning, Reluctantly
Twelve-year-old Carley Connors is removed from her mother's care in Las Vegas after her mother's boyfriend, Dennis, physically abuses her. She is placed into the foster care system and driven to a new home in Connecticut. Her social worker, Mrs. MacAvoy, takes her to the Murphys, a family consisting of Julie Murphy, her husband, and their three sons: Daniel (thirteen), Michael Eric (six), and Adam (three). Carley, hardened by her past and distrustful of adults, immediately feels out of place in their warm, loving environment. She struggles to accept their kindness, particularly Mrs. Murphy's efforts to connect with her, and maintains an emotional distance, convinced that her stay with them is only temporary.
First Impressions and Lingering Doubts
Upon arrival, Carley is given her own room, which she finds overwhelming in its 'girliness.' She immediately clashes with Daniel, who resents her presence and makes it clear he doesn't want her there. Carley, defensive and quick to anger, responds similarly. She observes the Murphys' family rituals, like their nightly 'High-Low' game where they share the best and worst parts of their day, and finds them foreign. Despite Mrs. Murphy's patient attempts to draw her out, Carley remains guarded, constantly comparing their stable life to her chaotic past with her mother. She finds solace in reading and tries to avoid interacting with the family as much as possible, especially Daniel.
School, Scrutiny, and Small Victories
Carley starts at a new school, where she immediately faces scrutiny from her classmates, particularly from a girl named Toni, who questions her about her foster status. Carley, embarrassed, deflects and maintains her tough exterior. She struggles academically at first, having missed a significant amount of school. However, Mrs. Murphy helps her catch up, offering support and tutoring. Slowly, Carley begins to form a tentative bond with the younger boys, Michael Eric and Adam, who are openly affectionate and less judgmental than Daniel. She finds herself protecting Michael Eric from a neighborhood bully, displaying a protective instinct she didn't realize she possessed, which surprises both her and Daniel.
Breaking Down Barriers
The relationship between Carley and Daniel gradually begins to shift. After Carley stands up for Michael Eric against a bully, Daniel sees a different side of her. He later asks her to teach him basketball, an activity she is good at. During their time on the court, they start to communicate more openly, and Carley discovers Daniel's passion for art. She also sees him struggle with his own insecurities, making him more relatable. These shared moments, along with Mrs. Murphy's kindness and the affection from Michael Eric and Adam, slowly break down Carley's defenses. She starts to participate in family activities and even finds herself enjoying them, experiencing a sense of belonging she'd never known.
A Glimmer of Hope and a Mother's Visit
As the weeks pass, Carley finds herself increasingly integrated into the Murphy family. She helps with chores, enjoys their outings, and even starts to refer to their house as 'home.' She feels a growing love for the younger boys and a deep respect for Mrs. Murphy. She begins to think that she might actually stay with them permanently, a thought that both excites and terrifies her. However, the arrival of her mother for a supervised visit brings a wave of conflicting emotions. Her mother, while seemingly trying, still exhibits signs of her old ways, and Carley feels torn between her loyalty to her biological mother and her growing love for the Murphys.
Loyalty and Heartbreak
During a second visit, Carley's mother confides in her that she is getting her life together, has a new apartment, and plans to take Carley back to live with her in Las Vegas. This news shatters Carley's fragile sense of security. While part of her yearns for her mother, the thought of leaving the Murphys, especially Michael Eric and Adam, fills her with dread. She struggles to reconcile her loyalty to her mother with the happiness and stability she has found with the Murphys. The impending decision weighs heavily on her, and she begins to withdraw again, fearing the pain of separation from the family she has come to love.
The Basketball Game and an Unspoken Farewell
A basketball game arrives, and Carley, a talented player, is a key part of the team. Both the Murphys and Carley's mother attend, creating a tense atmosphere. Carley plays well, showing her skill and focus. During the game, she feels the support of the Murphys, particularly Daniel's cheers. However, the knowledge that her mother plans to take her back hangs over her. After the game, her mother confirms her intention to move Carley back to Las Vegas. The Murphys, though heartbroken, understand the legalities and try to offer Carley strength and love during this difficult transition, knowing their time together is drawing to a close.
A Tearful Goodbye
The day of Carley's departure arrives. It is an emotional farewell, particularly with Michael Eric and Adam, who are too young to fully understand but feel the sadness. Carley exchanges goodbyes with Daniel, acknowledging their journey from animosity to friendship. Her goodbye with Mrs. Murphy is especially poignant, filled with unspoken gratitude and love. Carley leaves behind a letter for the Murphys, expressing her deepest feelings and acknowledging the impact they've had on her life. As she drives away with her mother, Carley carries the memories and the love of the Murphy family, changed by her time with them, but also facing an uncertain future.
Principal Figures
Carley Connors
The Protagonist
Carley transforms from a defensive and emotionally closed-off girl into someone capable of giving and receiving love, learning to trust and experience genuine family connection.
Julie Murphy (Mrs. Murphy)
The Supporting
She remains a steadfast source of love and stability, successfully helping Carley to open her heart and experience true family.
Daniel Murphy
The Supporting
Daniel evolves from a closed-off and resentful foster brother to a supportive and understanding friend to Carley.
Michael Eric Murphy
The Supporting
He remains consistently loving and open, serving as a beacon of innocence that helps Carley connect with the family.
Adam Murphy
The Supporting
He remains a symbol of pure, innocent love that helps Carley embrace her softer side.
Carley's Mother
The Supporting
She attempts to regain stability and her daughter, but ultimately her actions lead to Carley's emotional conflict and difficult departure from the Murphys.
Mr. Murphy
The Supporting
He consistently provides a supportive and stable presence in Carley's life, showing her what a healthy father figure can be.
Mrs. MacAvoy
The Supporting
She fulfills her professional duties with empathy, ensuring Carley's safety and placement, and observing her positive growth.
Themes & Insights
Family and Belonging
The central theme explores what makes a family beyond biological ties. Carley, initially believing her biological mother is her only family, slowly learns to accept the love and stability offered by the Murphys. The book contrasts Carley's chaotic biological family life with the Murphys' warm, functional dynamics, showing how genuine care, routine, and unconditional love create a true sense of belonging. Carley's internal struggle between loyalty to her mother and her growing attachment to the Murphys highlights the complexities of finding where one truly belongs.
“'And I thought, this is what a family does. They don't just love you when it's easy. They love you when you're a mess, when you're not speaking, when you're mad. They love you anyway.'”
Identity and Self-Worth
Carley's journey is deeply tied to discovering her own identity and self-worth. Having grown up feeling unloved and invisible, she initially defines herself by her tough exterior and her past trauma. The Murphys, particularly Mrs. Murphy, help Carley to see herself as capable, intelligent, and worthy of love. Through their consistent affirmation and by encouraging her talents (like basketball), Carley begins to shed her defensive layers and understand that her past does not define her future. She learns to value her own feelings and needs, moving towards a healthier sense of self.
“'Before the Murphys, I thought 'home' was just a place you lived. After, I knew it was a feeling, a place where you were loved no matter what.'”
Trust and Vulnerability
Having been betrayed and neglected, Carley finds it difficult to trust others, especially adults. Her initial interactions with the Murphys are marked by suspicion and emotional walls. The theme explores the hard process of learning to be vulnerable and open oneself up to love and potential hurt. Mrs. Murphy's patience and the innocent affection of Michael Eric and Adam slowly break down Carley's defenses, allowing her to take the risk of trusting and forming deep attachments. This vulnerability ultimately leads to both joy and pain for Carley.
“'It was hard to let people in, because once they were in, they could leave. Or hurt you. And I was tired of hurting.'”
The Power of Empathy and Kindness
The Murphys, especially Mrs. Murphy, show the power of empathy and consistent kindness. Despite Carley's initial hostility and guardedness, the family treats her with respect, understanding, and unwavering love. Their ability to 'see' Carley beyond her tough facade and offer her a safe space without judgment is important to her healing. This theme shows how genuine compassion can break down emotional barriers and help growth, proving that even a small act of kindness can have a big impact on someone's life.
“'Mrs. Murphy didn't just hear what I said. She heard what I didn't say. She always did.'”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The 'High-Low' Game
A family ritual for sharing daily experiences and fostering communication.
The 'High-Low' game is a daily ritual the Murphy family uses where each member shares the 'high' (best part) and 'low' (worst part) of their day. For Carley, this device initially represents the foreign and uncomfortable openness of the Murphy family, highlighting her guarded nature. As the story progresses, her participation, however reluctant, signifies her gradual integration and the breaking down of her emotional walls. It serves as a symbol of the Murphys' healthy communication and emotional transparency, contrasting sharply with Carley's past where such sharing was impossible.
Basketball
A metaphor for control, skill, and a bridge for relationships.
Basketball serves as a significant plot device and metaphor for Carley. It's an area where she possesses undeniable skill and confidence, providing her with a sense of control and self-worth that is often lacking in other areas of her life. Initially, it's her escape, but it later becomes a bridge for connection, particularly with Daniel. Teaching Daniel basketball allows them to bond outside of the emotional intensity of the house, fostering mutual respect. The final basketball game becomes a public stage where both her past and present families converge, symbolizing her divided loyalties and her performance under pressure.
Carley's Notebook/Drawing
A private outlet for Carley's thoughts and emotions.
While not explicitly a notebook for drawing, Carley's internal monologues and her observations of Daniel's drawing habit highlight the importance of private expression. Carley often retreats into her own mind, observing and analyzing, much like an artist sketches. The act of Daniel drawing and Carley recognizing his talent serves as a point of connection between them, suggesting that creative outlets can be a way to process difficult emotions and communicate when words fail. It symbolizes their shared, albeit initially hidden, sensitive sides.
The 'Girlie' Bedroom
A symbol of Carley's discomfort with feminine identity and unfamiliar comfort.
The bedroom Mrs. Murphy prepares for Carley, filled with 'girlie' decorations, initially makes Carley deeply uncomfortable. It represents an unfamiliar world of softness, innocence, and femininity that she feels she doesn't belong in. Her preference for dark, plain clothes and her rejection of the room's decor highlight her tough exterior and her resistance to embracing a more conventional, vulnerable identity. As she slowly adjusts to the Murphys, the room subtly becomes less threatening, symbolizing her gradual acceptance of comfort and her own blossoming identity.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Families are like puzzles. They fit together in weird ways, but when they do, it's perfect.”
— Carley observes the dynamics of the Murphy family.
“You can't change the past, but you can let it change you.”
— Carley comes to terms with her difficult history.
“Home isn't a place. It's a feeling.”
— Carley realizes what home means to her.
“Sometimes the people who are supposed to love you the most are the ones who hurt you the worst.”
— Carley reflects on her relationship with her mother.
“It's okay to be scared. It means you're about to do something really brave.”
— Mrs. Murphy encourages Carley.
“You don't have to be blood to be family.”
— Carley learns about chosen family through the Murphys.
“The hardest part about loving someone is letting them go.”
— Carley faces difficult decisions about her future.
“Sometimes the quietest people have the loudest hearts.”
— Carley observes Daniel Murphy's gentle nature.
“You can't help where you come from, but you can help where you're going.”
— Carley determines to shape her own future.
“Real strength isn't about not crying. It's about crying and then getting back up.”
— Carley learns about emotional resilience.
“The world doesn't end when you make a mistake. It just gives you a chance to try again.”
— Mrs. Murphy teaches Carley about forgiveness.
“Sometimes the people who save us are the ones we least expect.”
— Carley reflects on how the Murphys changed her life.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The novel follows twelve-year-old Carley Connors, who is placed in foster care with the Murphy family after a betrayal by her mother. Initially resistant, Carley gradually bonds with Mrs. Murphy and the three boys, learning about trust and family while grappling with her past.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
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