PAPER THINGS, by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

The story: When big brother Gage moves Ari out of their foster mother’s house, she thinks he’s got an apartment all lined up where they can live together. Little does she know they’ll spend the coming weeks surfing friends’ couches, eating at soup kitchens, and falling further and further down on their luck. Ari doesn’t want to admit it–but they’re homeless…and how can you work to achieve all your dreams when you’re wondering where your next meal is coming from?

Mrs. Friend’s opinion:  I liked this story a lot.  Even though it’s about a 5th-grade girl, if you’ve ever had problems with money or parents at your house,  this book will give you something new to think about.  You’ll end up rooting for Ari and be glad when she makes her way out of a pretty awful situation by making her own set of difficult choices.

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