Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s One for the Murphys has been widely praised for its heartfelt exploration of foster care and resilience. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and relatable characters, especially the protagonist, Carley. Criticisms include some predictable plot points and occasional sentimentality. Overall, it is considered a touching and thought-provoking middle-grade novel.

Readers who enjoyed Wonder by R.J. Palacio or Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt will find One for the Murphys compelling. Ideal for middle-grade audiences, this novel appeals to those who appreciate stories about resilience and the transformative power of kindness in the face of adversity.

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, published in 2012, follows Carley Connors, a 12-year-old girl placed in foster care after her mother is hospitalized due to domestic abuse. Carley struggles with feelings of betrayal and mistrust as she adjusts to the loving Murphy family. Her experiences with the Murphys help her understand the complexities of family relationships and build resilience. This book includes incidents of domestic abuse.

Emotional / Heartwarming / Inspirational / Bittersweet / Hopeful

**Carley Connors**  
The protagonist, an eighth-grade girl who moves with her mother from Las Vegas to Connecticut, where she learns about herself and others while living in foster care.

**Mrs. Julie Murphy**  
A compassionate and stable foster mother who cares for Carley and her own three sons, teaching Carley about love and kindness through her actions.

**Toni Byers**  
Initially a bully to Carley, she later becomes Carley’s best friend and shares her love for drama and Broadway, forming a strong bond through shared experiences.

**Daniel Murphy**  
The oldest Murphy brother who initially feels threatened by Carley but later accepts her as a friend after they bond over basketball.

**Michael Eric and Adam Murphy**  
The youngest Murphy brothers who quickly form a bond with Carley over superhero games and look up to her as a big sister figure.

**Carley’s Mother**  
A complex and tough figure who raised Carley in a challenging environment and whose relationship with Carley is explored throughout the story.

Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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One for the Murphys Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-10

One for the Murphys Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-20

One for the Murphys Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-30

One for the Murphys Chapters 21-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-40

One for the Murphys Chapters 31-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-50

One for the Murphys Chapters 41-50 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

One for the Murphys Character Analysis

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Themes

One for the Murphys Themes

Symbols & Motifs

One for the Murphys Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

One for the Murphys Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

One for the Murphys Essay Topics

One for the Murphys

Before You Read

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Review Roundup

Who Should Read One for the Murphys?

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