What I Carry
"A deeply touching story about survival, hope, and love." --Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times bestselling author
A powerful and heartwarming look at a teen girl about to age out of the foster care system.
Growing up in foster care, Muir has lived in many houses. And if she's learned one thing, it is to Pack. Light. Carry only what fits in a suitcase.
Toothbrush? Yes. Socks? Yes. Emotional attachment to friends? foster families? a boyfriend? Nope! There's no room for any additional baggage.
Muir has just one year left before she ages out of the system. One year before she's free. One year to avoid anything--or anyone--that could get in her way.
Then she meets Francine. And Kira. And Sean.
And everything changes.
Available Formats
State Awards
Arkansas
2021-2022, Arkansas Teen Book Award, Nominee
Connecticut
2022-2023, Nutmeg Book Award, Nominee
Florida
2021-2022, Florida Teen Reads, Nominee
Georgia
2021-2022, Georgia Peach Book Award For Teen Readers, Nominee
Iowa
2022, All Iowa Reads, Selection
Kentucky
2021-2022, Bluegrass Book Award, Nominee
Maine
2021-2022, North Star Young Adult Book Award, Nominee
Maryland
2021-2022, Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, Nominee
Michigan
2021, Thumbs Up! Teen Book Award, Nominee
Missouri
2022, Gateway Readers Book Award, Nominee
Oklahoma
2022, OLA Sequoyah Book Award Masterlist, Nominee
Rhode Island
2023, Rhode Island Teen Book Award, Nominee
Texas
2022-2023, TAYSHAS Reading List, Selection
Virginia
2023-2024, Virginia Reader’s Choice Award
