When my kids were young they were friends with three sisters who lived with their grandmother.  Their mother had lost custody because of substance abuse. Placement with a relative is usually superior to other types.  But it isn't without its own complexities.  That's the message for readers Andrea Beatriz Arango delivers in Something Like Home.

     As we meet Laura she's moving in with an aunt she's never met--a strict aunt she feels has expectations she can never meet.  She's convinced that it's her fault.  After all, she's the one who called 911 when she found her parents unconscious. She's determined to make her stay with her aunt as temporary as possible.  In her mind it's all a misunderstanding.  When she can somehow fix it her family will be together again.

    Unfortunately her parents aren't being compliant.  In fact at one point they run away from the rehab they have to complete to have any chance of regaining custody.  So Laura is thwarted at every turn.

     But there is a ray of sunshine. Surprisingly Laura's aunt allows her to adopt a neglected dog.  She's training him to be a therapy dog with the help of a special new friend.

     Children will really be captivated by this tone perfect, highly engaging book--especially the all too many in similar situations for whom it might kindle hope or at least offer assurance that they're not the only ones.

Jules Hathaway