Della and Suki have always had each other.  Even after their mother went to jail, for cooking meth in a hotel bathroom, leaving them with her former boyfriend Clifton, Della always had Suki there to protect her.  Not until the two girls are placed in foster care after the police catch Clifton doing the unthinkable does Della think to ask who has been taking care of Suki.  

This is a beautiful story told by a ten-year-old who has experienced more than any child ever should.  Della’s strong determined nature along with her sharp tongue makes her relatable and adorable.  This story of the girls in foster care leaves the reader with a hope for their happiness in the future.  Since the narrator is young, the book is targeted for those in grades 4-7, but the content is so heavy that I wouldn’t recommend it for someone that young.  As a teacher it reminded me to really listen to what students are saying and to see them for who they are and not just make judgements about them.

by Dr. Ward