Ashley "Ash" has almost lost count of how many foster homes she's been in since her mother went to prison for the second time. The only positive thing about her current placement is the presence of a wonderful tree she counts as her friend. Thankfully, she can always go sit in her tree when Gladys or her son Jordan are fighting.
Summer is over and starting middle school is not something Ash is looking forward to. She does know her friend Gentry is there for her, and she even likes going to his house to play video games. Everyone else pokes fun at her about her hair, clothes, and home-life. How can she hope to open up in classes that expect her to reveal personal things she would rather hide?
When Ash's social studies teacher assigns a family tree project, all Ash can think of is her lack of family. At the end of the project, everyone is expected to present to the entire class. Great! She will definitely fail when she doesn't have anything to present.
Life with Gladys gets more and more complicated as Jordan, his girlfriend, and their baby seem set to stay. Since Jordan isn't working, he spends his time chopping down trees around Gladys's house. Ash also witnesses him being abusive to his girlfriend and threatening to do the same to Ash. Ash knows she needs to seek help, but just who can she trust?
Author Gia Gordon explores the world of the middle grade novel with MY SO-CALLED FAMILY. Readers will be able to relate to a plot and characters that will hit true to life for many out there stuck in situations similar to Ash. Gordon shows that families aren't always made up of nicely organized branches.
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