ARTBA 2021 discussion

PLEASE READ ALL BOOKS AS YOUR TEEN SELF - NOT YOUR ADULT SELF.
What did you think about this book? Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? Do you think it would appeal to teens?
Please provide a score for this book based on a rating scale of 1-5 (1--you hated it; 5--you loved it). THIS IS NOT YOUR OFFICIAL VOTE!

I really got attached to our main character in this story and got somewhat emotional thinking that this book could end with her self-sabotaging her happiness in the name of "keeping herself safe". It also illuminated aspects of fostering and the trauma those that grow up in foster homes endure. They are an underserved group despite the fact that there are SO many of them in the US. I think this book would be great for our teens to read so that they might gain perspective and, for those that identify with the situation, find solidarity in the plight.
4/5 (only because I can't say they are all 5/5)

5/5

What a viewpoint that opened my eyes to the minds and struggles of those in foster care, especially those who age out in foster care. I cried and laughed right along with Muir. Such a great story.
I think it would benefit teens to read this and gain an inner perspective of being a child in foster care. The struggles, the insecurities, the everyday battles of just being.

4/5 Stars- I really enjoyed this book! It has a powerful message. I loved how the author demonstrated how there are struggles and trauma for kids in foster care even if there is not a terrible event in their past. So often books about this topic show the horror of abusive foster families and terrible outcomes. This book focusses on Muir who has lived her entire life in foster care and has lived with some good, some decent foster families. She is almost 18 and is facing the time to age out of care. I’ve always heard about this age but hadn’t connected how young that is for a child to be on their own.

5 out of 5. I enjoyed seeing this perspective and also the idea that we all deserve love and respect. I think many teens will learn that everyone has a different story to tell but everyone deserves that love and respect.

I really liked this book as well. I never imagined that "aging out" of foster care could be so traumatic. It certainly opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on foster care, its struggles and issues. I would recommend for YAs in order to gain a perspective that many do not face. 4/5

Wow! 5/5 because it touched on a subject I never thought about. This is a great addition to our library. Our YA readers need their eyes open.

5/5 - This has been one of my favorite 2021 reads. It was such a heartwarming story.