The Trouble With Skye

You've already noticed there are now bars on the windows or locks on the doors. You're free to run, but running will never solve your problems. If you face them head on you can conquer them. That's why you've been sent here, so you can get the help you need. If you do run, I promise we will find you. The only way you'll ever leave here is if we decide it's time for you to move on to something better. Until then, you are our official daughter, and we'll treat you that way - no matter what.

#1 - The Trouble With Skye by Marsha Hubler, Zonderkidz, 2004
 
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Target Audience: Girls 14-19
Subject: Adoption
Summary: Skye is in big trouble this time. The judge has had it with her. Skye's record is about the worst the judge has ever seen! Skye has been kicked out of so many foster homes, gotten into so much trouble at school, gotten caught doing so many extreme things, the judge has given up. Skye's going to the correctional center and there's nothing she can do about it, however Eileen Chambers has something to say. She and her husband run a ranch and take in troubled foster care children. She has decided to take Skye home with her. The judge is convinced she's nuts, but allows it out of respect for the Chambers. Skye is NOT thrilled. Rules, rules, rules, and more rules! And all the God-talk! And smelly large animals that scare her! Will the Chambers' love be enough to melt Skye's heart or will she just run away again?
Notes: Skye is presented as a majorly troubled girl, defiant, stubborn, on drugs and a hardened heart. However, despite her original fear of horses, she falls in love with a horse at the ranch and will do alot to keep riding privileges, even pretend to be sorry in counseling - until someone pushes the wrong button and gets punched. However, Skye follows most of the rules (not all - she sits in the bathroom letting the shower run just to defy the rules) and generally isn't as much trouble as her reputation would indicate. It is somewhat simpler than what often seems to be reality. However, the approach that the Chambers take seems effective and wise. And those who are troubled, who have been in and out of foster homes can relate to Skye and her distrust of anyone and everyone, as well as her attitude that "rules are meant to be broken".
This is the first book in the Keystone Stables series.
Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

John 1:12 - Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.