George Harrar: Books:
Parents Wanted
A novel for ages 9 and up
Published by Milkweed Editions,
2001
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Parents Wanted introduces readers to Andy Fleck, a 12-year-old boy
struggling to adjust to his latest family--his adoptive parents Jeff and
Laurie--and to the idea that all rules were not meant to be broken. Allowing
himself to trust his new parents and understanding the value of being trusted
are the greatest challenges he faces. Andy's strong narrative voice gives
insight into the complex mind of a struggling kid, balancing his problems
with his strengths as an energetic and lovable son. |
Read the prologue to Parents Wanted
A teen's perspective of Parents Wanted
A short interview with the author
Buy Parents Wanted at Amazon.com
From Publishers Weekly
Harrar creates a balance of tenderness, humor and dramatic tension in this
convincing portrayal of an ADD foster child adjusting to a new family. The
author captures the hero's emotional turmoil and desperate need for acceptance.
Readers will sympathize with both Andy and his adoptive parents as they seek
and eventually find mutual trust and love.
From Booklist
Grades 6-9. Harrar perfectly catches the impulsive behavior of children with
[ADD] and also lends some insight into the adoption process. Readers will care
about Andy and appreciate the hopeful, realistic ending.
From Kirkus Review, August 15, 2001
(Parents Wanted) sandwiches wonderfully observed comic moments between
scenes that are both heart-wrenching and suspenseful...A killer read
From Ruminator Review, Fall, 2001
Parents Wanted is altogether painful, goofy and insightful--an adoption
story with a twist...The text is immediately engaging
From Riverbank Review, Winter
2001-2002
Harrar has written a powerful book about second chances, trust and redemption,
and about the difficulty of building a family.
From The Tampa Tribune, Nov. 25,
2001
Parents Wanted not only won the 2001 Milkweed Prize, but it will also
win the hearts of young readers.
From ComeUnity
Web Site
It is a joy to read a positive mainstream fiction book about building families
through adoption.
From Voices of Youth Advocacy, Dec.
2001
Harrar's fictional yet amazingly realistic journey of one boy's struggle
through the adoption system is sure to satisfy.
From The Book Report, Jan./Feb. 02
Readers will be touched...This is an excellent choice for those students whose
lives have not always been comfortable.