What’s It About: I continue my foray into YA books about children in foster homes and f*cked-up parents.

Why: Because my sister has told me to read it several times over the past few years and this time, there was a murderous gleam in her eye.

Thoughts: Everyone should read this book. Period.

Readers get a vivid and personal depiction of Gilly and her foster family, along with a great emotional investment in Gilly’s future. As a (future) teacher, I took particular interest in the history behind Gilly’s misbehavior and the complex feelings that many of my (future) students will likely experience.

Not to mention the streaming fountain of tears in the last paragraphs (Life’s not fair!)

This is definitely a book I’ll be revisiting throughout my career.