Georgina, a young girl living in a car with her mother and brother, plots to steal a dog to claim a reward to improve her desperate family situation. Her moral dilemma and the hardships they face underscore the struggles of poverty and the lengths one might go to for family. This story made me consider the complexity of right and wrong when desperate. ( )

Georgina has a problem -- she and her mother and annoying little brother Toby are living out of their car. Her mom is trying to earn money to get them back into an apartment, but in the mean time, things are hard, they are stressed and angry and hungry and sad. She sees a poster offering a $500 reward for a lost dog and hatches a plan to create a similar opportunity. Very good on the subject of homelessness, including the night terrors of squatting in an abandoned building and the surprisingly kind figures one can meet on the street. Also great on the moral dilemmas of the whole idea. Pretty consequence lite as those things go, but on the whole, a good story. ( )

Georgina Hayes is desperate. Ever since her father left and they were evicted from their apartment, her family has been living in their car. Her Mama is working two jobs and she is left to take care of her younger brother. When she spots a missing dog poster with a reward of $500, she decides to "borrow" a dog and claim the money. What happens next is the last thing she expected.

This book was recommended by 11-yo Kensington. I looked it up and an ebook just happened to be available so I read it this afternoon.

Keep a box of tissues handy. The buildup of emotion as Georgina struggled with her guilt and regret had me literally sobbing through Chapter 20. ( )

Georgina Hayes is desperate. Ever since her father left and they were evicted from their apartment, her family has been living in their car. With her mama juggling two jobs and trying to make enough money to find a place to live, Georgina is stuck looking after her younger brother, Toby. And she has her heart set on improving their situation. When Georgina spots a missing-dog poster with a reward of five hundred dollars, the solution to all her problems suddenly seems within reach. All she has to do is "borrow" the right dog and its owners are sure to offer a reward. What happens next is the last thing she expected. ( )