The Pinballs

The Pinballs
Author(s): Betsy Byars

From Newbery-winning author Betsy Byars comes a story full of "poignancy, perception, and humor" (The Chicago Tribune), about three foster kids who learn what it takes to make a family. 

You can't always decide where life will take you—especially when you're a kid.

Carlie knows she's got no say in what happens to her. Stuck in a foster home with two other kids, Harvey and Thomas J, she's just a pinball being bounced from bumper to bumper. As soon as you get settled, somebody puts another coin in the machine and off you go again.

But against her will and her better judgment, Carlie and the boys become friends. And all three of them start to see that they can take control of their own lives.

Review(s):


ALA Notable Children’s Book, California Young Reader Medal, Georgia Children’s Book Award, Library of Congress Children’s Books, Charlie May Simon Book Award (Arkansas), Bank Street Children's Book Award, Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC), School Library Journal Best Book, Golden Archer Award (Wisconsin), Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award (Minnesota), Mark Twain Award (Missouri), William Allen White Children's Book Award (Kansas), Horn Book Fanfare

ISBN:  9780062881786