Love, Aubrey by Suzanne La Fleur *Spoiler Alert*

 

I could never read this book aloud to my students, not because there was anything inappropriate, but because I couldn't get through the ending without sobbing uncontrollably.  I adored the main character who begins the book living alone and using her birthday money to buy food.

Fortunately, Aubrey's grandma arrives and takes her home to live while Aubrey's family issues get worked out.  I would happily recommend this to a 9-12 year old child.

The book touched me personally, because of the many foster children I have taught over the last twenty plus years.  Often a family member would step in, but many times the child was placed with some amazing foster families I have known.

Spoiler below the red ribbon.

For an explanation of my rating scale, click here.

 

 

 

 

Every child wants a good relationship with his or her biological parents.  Every adopted child I have met has had questions about that relationship.  And yet I firmly believe that every child needs a stable home first.  Too often I have watched foster children get dragged for years through a system waiting for biological parents to get it together.

 

 

I was worried that Aubrey would choose to go back with her mom too soon.  I was elated that she chose to stay with her grandmother a while longer.  Children like Aubrey should have relationships and visitation with birth families, but all children need a safe place to grow up first.

 

No I'm not passionate about this at all.