"Three Little Words - A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Ashley's mother is declared unfit for parenting, and Ashley and her younger brother Luke are taken into state custody for their own protection. Over a period of 9 years, Ashley lives in 14 different foster homes, including one so abusive it made national headlines. All Ashley wants is to be loved and wanted by a family. After finally being adopted by the Courters, Ashley must find her place and identity in a new family and learn to trust those around her. A wonderful story of overcoming hardship and tackling adversity. If you liked "A Child Called It," by Dave Pelzer, this book is for you!

"Waiting for Normal" by Leslie Connor

Addie would give anything for a normal house to live in. Instead, she is trapped living in an old trailer in New York with her dysfunctional mom - Mommers. Addie wants to live with her step-dad, Dwight, and her younger half-sisters, but unfortunately she's stuck.

Her mom is driving her crazy! All she does is chat on the Internet, watch court TV and disappear for days on end. Addie has to be the responsible one - doing the dishes, cooking and cleaning. It's totally not fair.

She learns to cope by practicing the flute, playing with her hamster, and making friends with her neighbors at the convenience store. Dyslexia plagues Addie's schoolwork, but she manages to cope and remain optimistic about her living situation. I fell in love with Addie's character and her determination! Great for 4th-8th grades.

"Baby" by Joseph Monninger

Baby has been shuffled through numerous foster homes due to her mother’s alcoholism and neglect. The latest family, the Potters, are old hippies who race sled dogs. Baby finds herself torn between her freedom on the streets and the unconditional support she receives from the Potters. She gains self-confidence from racing the dogs, and she develops a close friendship with the littlest pup, Laika. This book is great for animal lovers, and demonstrates how teens can make difficult life decisions with the support of adults. Little hint of drugs and alcohol. The voice in Baby's head is realistic, I liked this book! Recommended for 7th and up.