Almost Home by Joan Bauer

Sugar is an intelligent and kind young girl, but her mother can't pay the mortgage on the house. Her absent father is addicted to gambling and racked up debts that cause the bank to take their home away. A stranger gives Sugar a puppy, she calls him Shush, even though Sugar's family doesn't have money to care for it. Sugar's mom takes them to Chicago where she hopes to get a cleaning job and temporary housing with a cousin. The job and housing fall through, Sugar's mom is sent to a mental hospital, and Sugar is sent to a foster home. The foster home is wonderful for Sugar, and her mom is slowly getting better. Things seem to be looking up until her dad comes back into the picture. Sugar's mom thinks the father will solve all of their problems, but their future is very uncertain.

This book addresses the topics of homelessness, foster care, and divorce. The plot shows how complicated these matters can be and how they can harm good people. Sugar's character is very sweet and kind. She is strong-willed, but her mother's issues test her limits. Foster care doesn't always get a good rap, so it was nice to see Sugar end up in a loving home. Sugar's mother was pushed to the point of a breakdown, and her faith in her husband let her down. Be careful what you wish for.