One for the Murphys

Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s middle grade novel examines the emotional landscape of foster care through twelve-year-old Copeland Callahan. Following her mother’s death, Cope navigates the child welfare system and is placed with the Murphy family, whose home initially feels unfamiliar and guarded. The narrative explores themes of grief, trust, and the gradual process of healing as Cope learns to accept care while protecting herself from further loss. Hunt draws on her background in education and child development to portray the complexities of attachment, the weight of unspoken trauma, and the quiet resilience required to rebuild a sense of belonging. The story avoids simplistic resolutions, instead focusing on how consistent gestures and patience can gradually transform a house into a home. Through its grounded perspective, the novel presents an honest examination of how family is formed through choice and commitment rather than biology alone. Its careful handling of difficult subjects makes it a straightforward introduction to conversations about foster care, emotional recovery, and the enduring need for stability.