The Pinballs - by Betsy Byars (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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 Quotes

"Three unwanted kids, 'Pinballs, ' as wisecracking Carly dubs them, collide in a warm and caring foster home and learn to pin their hopes on each other." - School Library Journal

"Deftly told with humor, this realistic novel introduces unique individuals who learn to deal with grief by sticking together." - ALA Booklist