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Welbeck Childrens Books Something Like Home.
A novel in verse in which a lost dog helps a lonely girl find a way home to her family . . . only for them to find family in each other along the way.
Titi Silvia leaves me by myself to unpack,
but it’s not like I brought a bunch of stuff.
How do you prepare for the unpreparable?
How do you fit your whole life in one bag?
And how am I supposed to trust social services
when they won’t trust me back?
Laura Rodríguez Colón has a plan: no matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. Can you blame her? It’s tough to make friends as the new kid at school. And while staying at her aunt’s house is okay, it just isn’t the same as being in her own space.
So when Laura finds a puppy, it seems like fate. If she can train the puppy to become a therapy dog, then maybe she’ll be allowed to visit her parents. Maybe the dog will help them get better and things will finally go back to the way they should be.
After all, how do you explain to others that you’re technically a foster kid, even though you live with your aunt? And most importantly . . . how do you explain that you’re not where you belong, and you just want to go home?
Titi Silvia leaves me by myself to unpack,
but it’s not like I brought a bunch of stuff.
How do you prepare for the unpreparable?
How do you fit your whole life in one bag?
And how am I supposed to trust social services
when they won’t trust me back?
Laura Rodríguez Colón has a plan: no matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. Can you blame her? It’s tough to make friends as the new kid at school. And while staying at her aunt’s house is okay, it just isn’t the same as being in her own space.
So when Laura finds a puppy, it seems like fate. If she can train the puppy to become a therapy dog, then maybe she’ll be allowed to visit her parents. Maybe the dog will help them get better and things will finally go back to the way they should be.
After all, how do you explain to others that you’re technically a foster kid, even though you live with your aunt? And most importantly . . . how do you explain that you’re not where you belong, and you just want to go home?
Paperback
First published September 12, 2023
104 people are currently reading
2290 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Beatriz Arango
6 books233 followersAndrea Beatriz Arango is the author of Newbery Honor Book Iveliz Explains It All and the Pura Belpré Honor Book Something Like Home. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where she first became a teacher. She then spent a decade in the United States working in public schools and nonprofits. When she’s not busy writing about middle schoolers and their families, you can find her hoping to spot manatees at the beach. Andrea lives in Puerto Rico with her family and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews
March 21, 2025
Loved seeing a character with sickle cell represented. Definitely cried a bit in this one. Didn't feel like the focus on pronouns was necessary, but it's a product of the time we are living. Loved how Laura felt so very authentic.
August 24, 2024
Phenomenal middle grade novel in verse about a child of parents suffering from addiction, kinship care, and an absolutely adorable dog. Middle grade gold. Sweet spot graded 4-7.
Source: Sora ebook via school library
Source: Sora ebook via school library
November 8, 2024
Wonderful novel-in-verse that pulls on your heartstrings, bring a sad ache in your chest and feeling teary eyed for the people involved.
Also one instance regarding a dog will make you angry and feel proud of our main girl for what she did (the dog recovers).
I didn't know there was a difference between therapy dogs and service dogs for some reason, but glad to be educated:).
Listen to the author's note afterwards. It's lovely.
There's different types of families, and Laura's situation is one.
I'm glad she wrote this book, it'll help kids in similar situations feel less alone.
Everything is portrayed with care and mot laying blame in one direction.
Will be recommending this book to everyone:)
Also one instance regarding a dog will make you angry and feel proud of our main girl for what she did (the dog recovers).
I didn't know there was a difference between therapy dogs and service dogs for some reason, but glad to be educated:).
Listen to the author's note afterwards. It's lovely.
There's different types of families, and Laura's situation is one.
I'm glad she wrote this book, it'll help kids in similar situations feel less alone.
Everything is portrayed with care and mot laying blame in one direction.
Will be recommending this book to everyone:)
November 8, 2023
A heartachingly beautiful story that’s both gentle and tender, as well as emotional and hard-hitting. This is a book that doesn’t shy away from exploring the pains of addiction, family separation and child neglect, whilst also highlighting the resilience of children and the importance of ‘home’ as an ever evolving concept and not simply a place.
I loved the way Andrea gave Laura agency and opinions and allowed her to journey to a place in which she was able to express and process her thoughts, feelings and needs, and be heard. I especially appreciated the way therapy was portrayed as a positive, rather than something to fear or avoid.
I think I’d be doing this book a disservice if I didn’t admit that there were moments between Sparrow and Laura’s that almost had me shedding a tear. I think Andrea did a beautiful job at portraying the power of animal companions and their ability to support, comfort genuinely help humans during times of need.
There is so much to applaud this book for. In relatively few words, it manages to explore and portray a wide array of emotions and experiences in an accessible and easily digestible way. This is a book I’d happily put into the hands of readers of all ages and know they’d finish having gained something from the experience. A truly gorgeous book.
TW: child neglect, substance addition
I loved the way Andrea gave Laura agency and opinions and allowed her to journey to a place in which she was able to express and process her thoughts, feelings and needs, and be heard. I especially appreciated the way therapy was portrayed as a positive, rather than something to fear or avoid.
I think I’d be doing this book a disservice if I didn’t admit that there were moments between Sparrow and Laura’s that almost had me shedding a tear. I think Andrea did a beautiful job at portraying the power of animal companions and their ability to support, comfort genuinely help humans during times of need.
There is so much to applaud this book for. In relatively few words, it manages to explore and portray a wide array of emotions and experiences in an accessible and easily digestible way. This is a book I’d happily put into the hands of readers of all ages and know they’d finish having gained something from the experience. A truly gorgeous book.
TW: child neglect, substance addition
October 23, 2023
Novels in verse are not usually my thing, but sometimes I come across one that I can’t resist. If it has a beautiful cover like this one, I’m hooked!
Told from the viewpoint of Laura, a young girl who has moved in with her aunt when her parents enter rehab, this is a heart-breaker. You feel her distress at all the enormous changes in her life; the intense longing she has to be with her parents; the need Laura has for somebody to give her a date and time when life will be good again. With the love of her puppy Sparrow, the friendship with new pal Benson, and therapy sessions where she can let loose her emotions, Laura begins to understand that learning to live life “in the now”, although different from her past, may turn out to be a good thing.
As I read this, I’m surrounded by my five “therapy dogs”(they’re not official ones, but they sure are helpful and loving). I’m glad there are books coming out that show how beneficial pet love can be. As my husband puts it, “It is cheaper than Prozac!”. And much nicer…
Told from the viewpoint of Laura, a young girl who has moved in with her aunt when her parents enter rehab, this is a heart-breaker. You feel her distress at all the enormous changes in her life; the intense longing she has to be with her parents; the need Laura has for somebody to give her a date and time when life will be good again. With the love of her puppy Sparrow, the friendship with new pal Benson, and therapy sessions where she can let loose her emotions, Laura begins to understand that learning to live life “in the now”, although different from her past, may turn out to be a good thing.
As I read this, I’m surrounded by my five “therapy dogs”(they’re not official ones, but they sure are helpful and loving). I’m glad there are books coming out that show how beneficial pet love can be. As my husband puts it, “It is cheaper than Prozac!”. And much nicer…
September 10, 2023
"Something Like Home" is the journey of a young girl. named Laura, reconciling with the fact a phone call she made resulted in being separated from her parents. She is forced to live with an aunt she doesn't know, in a school she's never attended, and is expected to make friends in a temporary situation. Readers will follow Laura's journey with her guilt through letters she writes to her parents in rehab as she learns how to advocate for herself, and learn that change isn't always a bad thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
This is a moving novel in verse written for middle-school-age children, dealing with foster care. As the novel opens, Laura is en route to her aunt’s apartment, accompanied by a social worker from DSS. Her parents are in rehab, as a result of Laura calling 9-1-1 when she found them unresponsive due to drug overdoses. Now Laura is with an aunt she doesn’t even know, and she feels guilty for causing this mess.
My heart broke for Laura. But she is a resilient child, clearly intelligent but confused by her situation. Her aunt, who is a doctor, tries her best, but is not used to having children near her and had been estranged from her sister (Laura’s mother) for some time. Aunt Titi must learn how to express her feelings for Laura, and Laura needs to learn to trust her aunt.
Laura finds herself in a new school and has trouble making friends. She doesn’t expect to be here long enough to forge the kind of friendships she had “at home.” When she finds a neglected and abandoned puppy, however, she begins to open up, making a friend, and formulating a plan for reuniting with her parents. Most importantly, she begins to speak up to the court-appointed guardian and to her aunt and insists that they listen to her point of view when formulating a plan for her care. Brava, Laura!
My heart broke for Laura. But she is a resilient child, clearly intelligent but confused by her situation. Her aunt, who is a doctor, tries her best, but is not used to having children near her and had been estranged from her sister (Laura’s mother) for some time. Aunt Titi must learn how to express her feelings for Laura, and Laura needs to learn to trust her aunt.
Laura finds herself in a new school and has trouble making friends. She doesn’t expect to be here long enough to forge the kind of friendships she had “at home.” When she finds a neglected and abandoned puppy, however, she begins to open up, making a friend, and formulating a plan for reuniting with her parents. Most importantly, she begins to speak up to the court-appointed guardian and to her aunt and insists that they listen to her point of view when formulating a plan for her care. Brava, Laura!
September 13, 2025
This was a really good book, I love how it was written in the poetry style so I was able to finish in one day. I loved the story and I recommend
February 24, 2023
Hello my name is.... I identify as he/him, she/her kind of book.
With a dash of my mom used to like girls, but now she likes boys.
Wrapped in 'a little girl and her puppy' cover.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to preview this book.
With a dash of my mom used to like girls, but now she likes boys.
Wrapped in 'a little girl and her puppy' cover.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to preview this book.
March 29, 2024
I just found my 5 stars read this year. And this book makes my eyes bawled. The story is about Laura who has to live with her aunt because her parents are addict.
Laura’s struggle to fit in, her longing feelings about her parents are incredibly moving! She got the comfort from the pitbull dog, named Sparrow. She trains the dog become therapy dog 🥹😭🥹😭🥹😭
I love this book so much! Sweet, heartwarming, and incredibly raw. I love it! I love it!
Laura’s struggle to fit in, her longing feelings about her parents are incredibly moving! She got the comfort from the pitbull dog, named Sparrow. She trains the dog become therapy dog 🥹😭🥹😭🥹😭
I love this book so much! Sweet, heartwarming, and incredibly raw. I love it! I love it!
September 24, 2025
Trust me this book will touch your heart. Destined to become a classic. A sparkling gem of a book that will spring open the deepest places in your heart. 🏠
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
Laura parents OD and she had to call for help, now her parents are in rehab and she is staying with the aunt she never knew. There she finds a puppy who needs her help. Laura comes up with a plan to train her puppy to be a service dog so she can go in an visit her parent which she isn’t allowed to see. When her parent check out of rehab, Laura is more alone than ever. So now with help from a new friend, a therapist, her aunt and her new trusted puppy Laura is finding her way!! Now if her parents will get on board and get the help they need, but will they?? Only time will tell…
A found this story wonderful!! Told in verse, a wonderful representation of foster care that works. Laura shows all the emotions of a girl lost and afraid, but with family and friends, even a 4 footed friend, she gets the help she needs. I highly recommend this delightful story!!!
A found this story wonderful!! Told in verse, a wonderful representation of foster care that works. Laura shows all the emotions of a girl lost and afraid, but with family and friends, even a 4 footed friend, she gets the help she needs. I highly recommend this delightful story!!!
February 3, 2024
Quite a moving story. I personally prefer books without the use of pronouns and They/Thems.
March 11, 2025
Review is coming
August 13, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this novel in verse, Laura Rodgríguez Colón is staying with her aunt, Titi Silva, who is a doctor. Laura's mother and father ran a food truck, but struggled for years with addiction, and were often in no state to take care of their daughter. They are now in rehab, and Janet, the social worker, tries to ease Laura's transition to her aunt's. It's a struggle, not only because her aunt's life is very orderly and has a lot of rules that seem silly, but also because Laura feels that everything is her fault because she called 911 when her parents were unresponsive, and set all of the wheels in motion. Laura thinks that her parents will be back with her in a week, so doesn't understand why she has to start at Riveview Elementary School. She doesn't try to make friends, but Benson is overly friendly. We later find out that he has trouble connecting to classmates because he is frequently ill with sickle cell anemia, and often in the hospital. Things are not going too badly; there's even a kindly librarian, Mrs. Elsa, who sees that Laura is struggling with reading and gives her graphic novels, which she enjoys. Laura also finds an abandoned dog, Sparrow, she brings home, and Titi Silvia lets her keep it. When Laura's parents are not allowed to call her, because it is thought that Laura will distract them from their progress, she hatches the idea that she will train Sparrow to be a therapy dog so that she can get in to see them. She even tries to take Sparrow to the hospital to see Benson, which doesn't end well! After this, however, Titi Silvia sees how important the training is to Laura and helps her to get Sparrow certified. Things are still difficult with her parents, but there is a Court Appointed Special Advocate assigned to Laura who helps her contact them. When they don't show up for a call, Laura is devastated, especially when it turns out they have checked themselves out of rehab. When Laura's mother shows up at school, Laura at first blames herself for not going along with her mother's ruse, and realizes that she might be with her aunt for some time.
Strengths: Combining foster care with dogs can be very appealing, like in Galante's Strays Like Us and Bauer's Raising Lumie. There are not as many books involving kinship care, although we are certainly seeing more and more students being raised by family members who are not their parents. Certainly, many of these children are with relatives because of addiction issues, so this was a good inclusion. Arango has first hand knowledge of the foster care system, and she's right that books can help students understand what some of their classmates are going through. The addition of dog training gives an added layer of interest.
Weaknesses: There's a lot of poetic bird imagery that doesn't help the story move forward. Birds are one of those odd things, like pirates or carnivals, that my students don't seem to like at all. I don't understand it; I'm just reporting it! It's not so ovewhelming that it would cause a reader not to pick up the book; even the imagery on the cover is fairly subdued. Since dogs are popular, I think they will outweigh the birds.
What I really think: It's always good to see a child in an alternative family situation have an additional interest, but there are several titles where that is animal based, like Bailey's Snow Foal and Lewis' Scarlet Ibis. Titles like Farr's Pavi Sharma's Guide to Going Home or O'Shaughnessy's Lasagna Means I Love You cover other topics. Since this is one of the few titles involving foster care that are written in verse, that does set it apart.
In this novel in verse, Laura Rodgríguez Colón is staying with her aunt, Titi Silva, who is a doctor. Laura's mother and father ran a food truck, but struggled for years with addiction, and were often in no state to take care of their daughter. They are now in rehab, and Janet, the social worker, tries to ease Laura's transition to her aunt's. It's a struggle, not only because her aunt's life is very orderly and has a lot of rules that seem silly, but also because Laura feels that everything is her fault because she called 911 when her parents were unresponsive, and set all of the wheels in motion. Laura thinks that her parents will be back with her in a week, so doesn't understand why she has to start at Riveview Elementary School. She doesn't try to make friends, but Benson is overly friendly. We later find out that he has trouble connecting to classmates because he is frequently ill with sickle cell anemia, and often in the hospital. Things are not going too badly; there's even a kindly librarian, Mrs. Elsa, who sees that Laura is struggling with reading and gives her graphic novels, which she enjoys. Laura also finds an abandoned dog, Sparrow, she brings home, and Titi Silvia lets her keep it. When Laura's parents are not allowed to call her, because it is thought that Laura will distract them from their progress, she hatches the idea that she will train Sparrow to be a therapy dog so that she can get in to see them. She even tries to take Sparrow to the hospital to see Benson, which doesn't end well! After this, however, Titi Silvia sees how important the training is to Laura and helps her to get Sparrow certified. Things are still difficult with her parents, but there is a Court Appointed Special Advocate assigned to Laura who helps her contact them. When they don't show up for a call, Laura is devastated, especially when it turns out they have checked themselves out of rehab. When Laura's mother shows up at school, Laura at first blames herself for not going along with her mother's ruse, and realizes that she might be with her aunt for some time.
Strengths: Combining foster care with dogs can be very appealing, like in Galante's Strays Like Us and Bauer's Raising Lumie. There are not as many books involving kinship care, although we are certainly seeing more and more students being raised by family members who are not their parents. Certainly, many of these children are with relatives because of addiction issues, so this was a good inclusion. Arango has first hand knowledge of the foster care system, and she's right that books can help students understand what some of their classmates are going through. The addition of dog training gives an added layer of interest.
Weaknesses: There's a lot of poetic bird imagery that doesn't help the story move forward. Birds are one of those odd things, like pirates or carnivals, that my students don't seem to like at all. I don't understand it; I'm just reporting it! It's not so ovewhelming that it would cause a reader not to pick up the book; even the imagery on the cover is fairly subdued. Since dogs are popular, I think they will outweigh the birds.
What I really think: It's always good to see a child in an alternative family situation have an additional interest, but there are several titles where that is animal based, like Bailey's Snow Foal and Lewis' Scarlet Ibis. Titles like Farr's Pavi Sharma's Guide to Going Home or O'Shaughnessy's Lasagna Means I Love You cover other topics. Since this is one of the few titles involving foster care that are written in verse, that does set it apart.
June 24, 2023
First, I received this eARC in exchange for a review. Thank you to the publisher for letting me get an early copy.
This book is warmth and sweetness packaged into words! A necessary book that explores foster care and therapy dogs, this story will warm the hearts of kids and adults alike. The way Andrea handles the topic is with utmost care, something I know kids will greatly appreciate. The plot moves well, and the characters all had arcs that made sense. The protagonist, Laura, is a Puerto Rican diaspora kid, a contribution to diasporic narratives where the character's primarily language is English and has a tenuous relationship to Puerto Rico.
The nod to a local author was great! I can totally see Laura loving the book. (I can't say which because spoiler!).
I know this book will have a great trajectory. Can't wait to see people's responses come Sept. 2023!
This book is warmth and sweetness packaged into words! A necessary book that explores foster care and therapy dogs, this story will warm the hearts of kids and adults alike. The way Andrea handles the topic is with utmost care, something I know kids will greatly appreciate. The plot moves well, and the characters all had arcs that made sense. The protagonist, Laura, is a Puerto Rican diaspora kid, a contribution to diasporic narratives where the character's primarily language is English and has a tenuous relationship to Puerto Rico.
The nod to a local author was great! I can totally see Laura loving the book. (I can't say which because spoiler!).
I know this book will have a great trajectory. Can't wait to see people's responses come Sept. 2023!
February 15, 2025
Arango has quickly become one of my favorite middle grade voices.
Her sophomore MG novel-in-verse, features our main character, Laura, navigating foster care, a new school, and big feelings. Laura doesn’t want to live with her Aunt, she wants to go back to her parents, but when she makes a new friend and then find a companion in her found puppy, Sparrow, Laura learns to coop with her new living situation.
Laura’s story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at times, but one that I’m sure will resonate with many children.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
Her sophomore MG novel-in-verse, features our main character, Laura, navigating foster care, a new school, and big feelings. Laura doesn’t want to live with her Aunt, she wants to go back to her parents, but when she makes a new friend and then find a companion in her found puppy, Sparrow, Laura learns to coop with her new living situation.
Laura’s story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at times, but one that I’m sure will resonate with many children.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
January 22, 2024
Middlegrade verse novels have my entire heart, and Andrea Beatriz Arango is becoming on of my favourite authors for them. This is such a touching, nuanced story, told with a lot of care, with a main character who goes through a lot. And of course a dog will always make everything better! I read this cuddling with my own puppy.
May 12, 2024
I would give this 4 stars if it weren’t for the excessive amount of pronouns mentioned.
February 8, 2025
I appreciate the way that the author helps readers understand difficult topics (addiction, abandonment, kinship care) through the lens of the child and I especially enjoyed reading a story in novel-in-verse format. It kept the reading light and interesting. I also really liked how the author introduced the topic of therapy dogs and the extreme way they can positively assist people dealing with traumatic situations.
I did not, however, like how the author used pronouns in the story with the characters, at one point, even making the therapist a they/them. It wasn't necessary and removes my recommendation of this book to others, especially its target audience (pre-teens).
I did not, however, like how the author used pronouns in the story with the characters, at one point, even making the therapist a they/them. It wasn't necessary and removes my recommendation of this book to others, especially its target audience (pre-teens).
January 17, 2025
Laura calls 911 because her parents need help, and she’s soon placed in foster care with an aunt she didn’t know she had. She slowly realizes that she was taking care of herself more than a child should, and she processes a whole bunch of anger toward everyone. 3.5 stars
August 4, 2023
A BIPOC book about a Boricua girl and her dog? Yes, please. Something Like Home is a heartwarming and heart-wrenching novel-in-verse about Laura Rodríguez Colón’s experience in kin-ship care with her aunt. Newbery Award winner Andrea Beatriz Arango creates a nuanced portrayal of what it’s like for a child to mourn the loss of parents to drug addiction. The beautiful friendship that develops between Laura and Benson will tug on heart strings. The disability rep is accurate and affirming. Every educator who wants to be trauma-informed should read this book. Every child who needs to know that they can find love and happiness, even if they can’t know what their future will hold, will want to curl up and listen to Laura tell her story.
November 8, 2023
Really really good book in verse about foster care (in this case care of an aunt after parents OD'd on drugs)
November 8, 2024
MCBA nominee. What a compellingly beautiful novel in verse about the healing power of a dog’s love, second chances, and the heartaches that come with complicated home situations.
May 13, 2025
Fantastic middle grade book. The voice was so authentic and real. Heartbreaking and beautiful. A must read for anyone who works with MS students!
September 8, 2023
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Laura, age 12, is brought by social services to live with an aunt she’s never met after her parents overdose and enter rehab. In this novel in verse, Titi Silvia, a doctor who likes things to be in perfect order, has no idea what a teenager wants or needs. Titi speaks Spanish to Laura who doesn’t understand because her mother rejected that part of her family. Laura starts school but refuses to make friends because she doesn’t plan on staying – she thinks she will be going back to her parents soon (the 12-year-old mind at work). She spends time in the library where the librarian, recognizing that Laura is struggling with reading gives her graphic novels. Laura also eventually gives in and becomes friendly with Benson, who has trouble making and keeping friends as he is often in the hospital because he has sickle cell. One day, Laura finds an abandoned puppy that she names Sparrow – Titi reluctantly lets her keep him. Laura found the rehab facility where her parents are online and while she is not allowed to visit, therapy dogs are allowed. So Laura decides to train Sparrow to be a therapy dog that can go to rehab facilities so she can see her parents. Things don’t go as planned and when her parents check themselves out of rehab prematurely, Laura is frightened and comes to realize that her aunt is really watching out for her.
There are some heavy elements in this book – drug use, foster care, abandonment – but it is written well and accessible to the target audience of grade 5 and up. Fans of Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer will also enjoy this title. Definitely recommend.
#SomethingLikeHome #NetGalley
Laura, age 12, is brought by social services to live with an aunt she’s never met after her parents overdose and enter rehab. In this novel in verse, Titi Silvia, a doctor who likes things to be in perfect order, has no idea what a teenager wants or needs. Titi speaks Spanish to Laura who doesn’t understand because her mother rejected that part of her family. Laura starts school but refuses to make friends because she doesn’t plan on staying – she thinks she will be going back to her parents soon (the 12-year-old mind at work). She spends time in the library where the librarian, recognizing that Laura is struggling with reading gives her graphic novels. Laura also eventually gives in and becomes friendly with Benson, who has trouble making and keeping friends as he is often in the hospital because he has sickle cell. One day, Laura finds an abandoned puppy that she names Sparrow – Titi reluctantly lets her keep him. Laura found the rehab facility where her parents are online and while she is not allowed to visit, therapy dogs are allowed. So Laura decides to train Sparrow to be a therapy dog that can go to rehab facilities so she can see her parents. Things don’t go as planned and when her parents check themselves out of rehab prematurely, Laura is frightened and comes to realize that her aunt is really watching out for her.
There are some heavy elements in this book – drug use, foster care, abandonment – but it is written well and accessible to the target audience of grade 5 and up. Fans of Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer will also enjoy this title. Definitely recommend.
#SomethingLikeHome #NetGalley
June 8, 2024
My nine year old daughter and I read this one together. I loved it and would suggest it to all! This book is written in verse and really is beautiful. It covers difficult topics such as foster care, neglect, and addiction in a way that is direct and truly loving. (Definitely a strengths-based approach.)
A fantastic read that may help kids understand what a peer is experiencing and also will help kids navigating challenging issues know they are not alone. Highly recommend.
A fantastic read that may help kids understand what a peer is experiencing and also will help kids navigating challenging issues know they are not alone. Highly recommend.
December 10, 2023
4.25⭐️ rounded up
thank you to netgalley for this wonderful arc!
i did not expect to learn so many fun and new bird facts while reading this book.
im still very new to children’s fiction, but i enjoyed this book very much. i also love how Andrea writes in verse + her writing style is so easy to connect to and its so unique.
this book had so many emotional and wholesome moments, it was very very real.
the characters in this book were so easy to root for & love. i loved Laura, i loved seeing her make a best friend, and i loved seeing her get close with her aunt.
did my heart hurt at times when i was reading this? yes. but it was so worth it. this book is so valuable and so many more people should be reading about kids like Laura, who are placed in the foster care system, and how it affects them mentally and emotionally. this book also has great chronic illness rep (side character). over all a great read!
thank you to netgalley for this wonderful arc!
i did not expect to learn so many fun and new bird facts while reading this book.
im still very new to children’s fiction, but i enjoyed this book very much. i also love how Andrea writes in verse + her writing style is so easy to connect to and its so unique.
this book had so many emotional and wholesome moments, it was very very real.
the characters in this book were so easy to root for & love. i loved Laura, i loved seeing her make a best friend, and i loved seeing her get close with her aunt.
did my heart hurt at times when i was reading this? yes. but it was so worth it. this book is so valuable and so many more people should be reading about kids like Laura, who are placed in the foster care system, and how it affects them mentally and emotionally. this book also has great chronic illness rep (side character). over all a great read!
January 5, 2024
I’m an animal lover, and this book instantly wrapped around my heart. As Laura experiences a new start living with her aunt while her parents seek healing, she finds comfort in her new dog. With lovely verse writing and pacing, this story has many layers to love. It touches on important themes of mental health, kinship care, therapy dogs, animal appreciation/observations, and most of all, hope. So much emotion in this heartfelt book, and one I’ll recommend to all my friends and family.
April 3, 2024
I wish I had co-read this book (followed along while listening) so I could grasp the full weight of this novel in verse. I really enjoyed it as an audio alone but I think there were portions that maybe didn't hit me in the same way as they would have had I experienced this book in print as well.
Regardless, this story of Laura working to find herself again after she accidentally turned her parents into rehab is a moving story that I think far too many of our young readers will be able to relate to. You see, Laura didn't know what else to do when her parents were non-responsive, so she called 911 and as a result, they're now in rehab and she's living with her Titi Silvia who she doesn't really know. Laura does find a stray dog, Sparrow, and resolves to train Sparrow how to be a service dog so she can take him with her to visit her parents in rehab.
This is such an important story to tell: not only because of Laura's experience in the system and living with a family member she doesn't really know, but also through explaining a bit of the opioid crisis to our younger readers. Laura's parents didn't mean to get hooked on the drugs they were provided after their car accident. It just happened and eventually they ended up non-responsive, leaving Laura to call 911. I also really liked seeing some insight into what it takes to train a service dog. I think this part of the story will really resonate with younger readers, because who doesn't want to train a dog to go into hospitals and other places to be a relief to those experiencing stress? Finally, I loved the character of Benson. What a good friend he was for Laura and what terrible circumstances he has been dealt. His optimism and friendship despite what he has been through show what a strong character he is. I would have gladly taken a few more scenes with Benson in this book.
TW: drug use, drug overdose, foster care, sickle cell
Regardless, this story of Laura working to find herself again after she accidentally turned her parents into rehab is a moving story that I think far too many of our young readers will be able to relate to. You see, Laura didn't know what else to do when her parents were non-responsive, so she called 911 and as a result, they're now in rehab and she's living with her Titi Silvia who she doesn't really know. Laura does find a stray dog, Sparrow, and resolves to train Sparrow how to be a service dog so she can take him with her to visit her parents in rehab.
This is such an important story to tell: not only because of Laura's experience in the system and living with a family member she doesn't really know, but also through explaining a bit of the opioid crisis to our younger readers. Laura's parents didn't mean to get hooked on the drugs they were provided after their car accident. It just happened and eventually they ended up non-responsive, leaving Laura to call 911. I also really liked seeing some insight into what it takes to train a service dog. I think this part of the story will really resonate with younger readers, because who doesn't want to train a dog to go into hospitals and other places to be a relief to those experiencing stress? Finally, I loved the character of Benson. What a good friend he was for Laura and what terrible circumstances he has been dealt. His optimism and friendship despite what he has been through show what a strong character he is. I would have gladly taken a few more scenes with Benson in this book.
TW: drug use, drug overdose, foster care, sickle cell
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