Home

by Brenda Kearns

It’s Allie’s 14th birthday, and she’s in her 17th foster home. “Suck it up,” her mom says. “Play the game and they’ll let you come home.” And Allie’s great at the game—at lying about her mom’s drinking, at hiding the weird things her little brother does that worry social workers, at pretending the counseling is actually helping. Allie is so great at the game that she never has to stay in a foster home more than three months. Now Allie has a Her newest foster family has caught on to her game. They see right through her lies, and they’re trying to stop her from going back home. Ever. Yet the last place Allie wants to live is on a smelly old farm in the middle of nowhere. But how do you fight it when everyone around you is saying that where you were born isn’t where you belong? HOME is a touching tale about a girl struggling to reunite her family, protect her young siblings, and gain control of her life—all in the face of family problems that no one believes she can fix. The reality is that even kids who have terrible home lives would rather live with their own families than be taken away and put in foster care. You’d think kids would be happier living in a stable environment where they’re well fed, protected from harm and treated with respect. It’s not true. Most kids want to go home , and they’ll lie about the neglect and abuse, and hide anything that might make social workers suspicious, in order to get back to their families. I fostered—and then adopted—four children, and I faced this struggle with every one of them. It’s heartbreaking to watch kids try to convince everyone—including themselves—that their birth families can somehow be normal.

Genres: Young Adult

98 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2014

About the author

Brenda writes health articles for Woman's World magazine, covering everything from herbal remedies to medical breakthroughs. Brenda also writes humor and romantic comedy, plus fiction for kids and young adults.

Brenda lives in Ontario, Canada, with her seven kids, two cats, and a big, goofy Great Dane. Brenda worked as a science teacher until she realized that writing was a lot more fun--and having a home office meant she could work in her pajamas.

For more information, please visit brendakearns.com, and take a minute to check out her blog at brendakearns.com/blog.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Marro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began this book because it was a free download (from Story Cartel) and filled with things I am always drawn to in a story: families, dogs, love, big sisters who take on too much. I knew it was about foster children and because I had just finished the Language of Flowers, I thought I would see how this book compared. I think ultimately, this book holds its own although the comparison is, it turns out, unfair since each book is probably aimed at a slightly different audience. Kearns' knows her younger audience and writes clearly with excellent characters and pacing without sacrificing the notes of authenticity that make it strong. There are a few glitches that another editing pass might have caught (a couple of misspellings and a few abrupt/a bit confusing transitions from one scene to another). These didn't distract too greatly and I loved the animals, especially the dogs, the tough social worker and, of course, Jo-Jo -- in spite of feeling at times that this farm was all to good to be true. I wanted it to be true and that is a testament to the author's writing and understanding of her audience. I'd recommend this book for middle school kids and, as a member of a book club that meets with many kids within the foster system, I can see its relevance as a way to spark discussion.

[Marianne Sciucco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brenda Kearns’ well-written and moving novel “Home” is an inside look at the foster care system and how one young girl struggles to hold her family together in the face of unwavering odds. Allie is determined to keep her twin siblings safe and sacrifices her own childhood to do so. Their mother seems to be in a state of shock after losing her husband, struggling with single motherhood, depression, and alcohol abuse. She makes poor choices that lead to her children being removed from her care and sent to 17 different foster homes. Allie, just 14, uses her wits to persuade case workers and foster parents to return her and her brother and sister to their mother in spite of no improvement at home, and she’s successful, until she meets Jo, who sees through her and wants more for her and the twins. This is a heartbreaking tale in which we see deep inside Allie’s anguish and despair over the loss of her life as it was before her father’s death and her mother’s inability to cope. She continue to hope for the best, pleading with her mother to pull it together for the sake of her children, but is disappointed again and again. This is not an unlikely scenario as children in the foster care system often go through the same type of upheaval and turmoil. Kearns does an excellent job developing her characters: the kindly Jo, the exasperating Jonathan, the troubled twins and the strong Allie. The pace is just right, and the ending, though a bit abrupt, satisfying. This is an enlightening story that leaves the reader hopeful that all children in the foster care system find caring homes and astute case workers.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella explores the drawbacks of the foster care system and the emotions of children who are its victims. The author has had first hand experience with the system and presents her story from the point of view of fourteen year old Allie. She and her younger twin siblings, Luke and Madeleine have been ripped away from their mother many times. This time they find themselves on a farm.

Allie is determined to get them back to their urban home. She uses her experience to try to manipulate the system and the social worker. When she finds herself in the care of Jo-Jo and a few other foster children, Allie is flummoxed. While she is determined to get back home as fast as she can, this family's approach of both tough love and common sense has her baffled. It seems that Allie's mother is determined to sabotage her efforts because every time she has a chance to show herself a good mother, she proves just the opposite. Finally the day arrives when they have an unsupervised overnight visit with their mother; the children find themselves in trouble again. How will Allie decide to handle it this time?

This book is both an examination of foster care and a coming of age story. Kearns knows how to develop her characters and pull the heart strings of her readers. At the same time, the touches of humor like Allie falling into cow dung and getting kicked when pretending to understand how to milk a cow take the edge off an otherwise too serious topic. I recommend the book for children ages ten and up. They will find many topics with which to identify as well as being given an opportunity to explore aspects of serious family issues.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about a 14 yr. old girl, who again lands in a foster home with her young twin siblings because of her mother's extreme alcohol problem. We meet Allie as she's placed on a farm. She's already determined to get back home no matter what the cost and has a plan on how to do it.

The author does a wonderful job with Allie, her thoughts, her fears and her entire character development. She starts out very hostile (and who can blame her), but slowly lowers her shields - although her original goal remains. It's a very touching story, which comes over very realistic. Her fears and doubts are very understandable, although some of them are obviously a little off. Still, one only wants to reach out and help her.

The story does a great job of not only showing the problems with the foster care system, but also the benefits when things work they way they should. I really think children ages 9 - 12 will sympathize with Allie and gain a deeper understanding of kids in her situation.

Although I would love to give this 5 stars (the author does a terrific job with Allie!), I was a little disappointed with a few, simple grammar/typing mistakes in the first chapters and found that the ending came too suddenly as if it were rushed - which, considering the short length, didn't have to happen.

But I can really recommend this. It touches the heart and deepens understanding.

I received a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[latybug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free download of this book from Story Cartel, thank you!
As a junior-high teacher this book was pretty heart-wrenching for me to read. I have students like Allie every year. I have seen kids who have had to grow up way too soon, and take care of younger siblings. It is difficult to motivate a child to learn Algebra, when their main concern is how they are going to feed themselves and their siblings that night (and hide the fact that their parents are not doing it.)
I absolutely adored JoJo. She definitely knows how to love foster kids. From my teacher perspective, I have also seen the wonderful results when the foster system works. The positive change in a child who is properly cared for is amazing.
I am always thankful that I grew up in a loving household with both parents. This book reminded me to be grateful for all the blessings I have.
I would recommend this book to others. I would be interested to read a review of this book from someone who grew up in the foster system, like Allie.

[Angela Fristoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home by Brenda Kearns was completely different than I had anticipated. I usually books where I actually like the main character. That is a big factor for me. Yet, I never really like Allie and I didn't need to. Allie's goal isn't to make anyone like her, it's to get her and her two siblings home. Kearns does an amazing job of getting us into Allie's mind, so that while I didn't like her, I understood her.

Kearns' personal experiences have obviously given her a view into the mind of a young foster child, and this builds the authenticity behind Allie's voice. I do wish the story were longer (it is a novella). I wanted to find out what happens next because it is more than evident that Allie's journey is far from over.

[Myeve123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story premise and this is a good book that shows the strong bond between parents and children. The angst and humor are balanced in this book and I feel for the main character. Her dreams, her fears, her decisions, what it takes from her to make the decisions. It makes me think of my own family and how grateful I am to have a loving and supportive parents.

[Emma-Krystine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this book for free on story cartel; Allie sounds alot like my attitude as a young girl... I always thought I had to protect my siblings. I cant wait to read it all just started it and like it so far

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that is for teens and adults alike. You connect with the main character and the plot is fantastic. I enjoy this author more and more each time I read a book by her.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via StoryCartel.

[Grace Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming story

This book is truly amazing.
I liked the way the foster mum treated them well and exempted them.This book teaches you a lot

[Kathy Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of Home in exchange for my unbiased opinion*

Home really wasn't what I was expecting. I did not like Allie at all. I totally agreed with Jonathan when he kept calling her a witch and asking where her broom was. But I guess you weren't supposed to like her. She was just doing everything she could to get herself, Madeleine and Luke back to their mom. Her mom is an alcoholic who will do what she wants, when she wants and no one can tell her otherwise. It was all a game to her. She would act the way she was supposed to, get her kids home, revert back to her old ways and then Social Services would come and take the kids away... again. I don't think it was fair to Allie at all. She is 14 years old and should still be able to enjoy her childhood instead of being the parent to her younger siblings.

I really liked JoJo. She was very loving and patient with Allie, Madeleine and Luke. You could tell that she truly wanted the best for them and knew that their mom was not it. I also really liked Arthur and Jonathan. They were great with Madeleine and Luke. And, even though Allie was a brat throughout the entire book, they still went out of their way to help her whether she accepted it or not.

Home is definitely geared towards a younger audience. But, for me, I wish the book was longer. I think there could be so much more to this story. Just when Allie made the right decision and I was starting to like her... BAM! The book ended. I hate that!

All in all it was a good, quick read and I enjoyed it.

[Lorrea - WhatChaReadin'? · Rating 3 out of 5]

Home is a YA novel. This story was short and sweet.

Allie is 14 years old and she is about to enter her 17th foster home. Her only goal is to get back to her mother. She, along with her younger twin siblings, Luke and Madeline just want to stay together at home. Allie tries every trick in her foster care book to get them home as soon as possible. At first, her tricks work, but she will soon learn that home may not be all that it's cracked up to be.

This was a really short book and a quick read. I think I finished the whole thing in about 3 hours. This is a great book for any young person who is struggling in foster care. No matter how hard or difficult things are back at home, that is where kids in foster care prefer to be. Not all foster homes are as great as the one Allie has just landed in, but she has gotten pretty lucky this time.

I encourage all young people to read this book.

**I received this book from Story Cartel in exchange for my review.**

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

XXx This is a really good story, one most everyone will enjoy.  The characters are lovable despite themselves, and JoJo is the mother every parent wants to be. Reviewed on September 20 2015, at Goodreads and AmazonSmile.

Read Again, 11/22/2023 - Enjoyed yet again this look into the life of kids on the brink of neglect - from their point of view. Always good to remember that for some their need to go home must be considered for their own mental health.
REVIEWED on November 24, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review B&N or Kobo.

[Sandra Heinzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it ended too soon! I want to know more about Allie and her twin siblings and their alcoholic mother and their foster family. It was well written and kept my interest, but it's not a "great" book. It was a bit too simple and predictable, in both the storyline and how the characters behaved. But it entertained me for a few hours, which is what a book is supposed to do.

***I received this free book from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.***

[Katie Axelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I had a hard time rooting for Allie but the more I read, the more I appreciated how Kearns exposed the horrors of the foster care system, the hardships of the children living within in, and the yearning for hope. By the end of the book, I found myself proud of Allie when she made the right decisions and disappointed with her when she didn't.

(I received a free copy of this novella from Story Cartel in exchanged for an honest review)

[M.J. Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delves into the delicate and somewhat taboo issue of children raised in foster care. The subject is dealt with sensitively and with the insight only someone who has gone through this experience could know. The older-than –her –years Allie is a wonderful protagonist who has been forced to be mother to her younger twin siblings while their mother struggles with alcohol abuse. I would give this book to a spoilt teenager to make them aware of how others are forced to live.

[Marli · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a very short book, this was a good story. The writing was descriptive and the characters believable. It ended quite abruptly though. I wish there could have been more put into the process of the kids, esp. Allie accepting their new foster home. It was still a good read.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only wish is the book were longer!