NOTE: There are spoliers in the second to last paragraph, so please don't read that paragraph if you have not yet read the book! I am mentioning spoilers only because I received an advanced copy of the book, so feel I should mention certain points as part of my review.

Over the years, I have read many books about children who have been neglected and/or abused who have either just entered the foster care system, or who have been shuffled from home to home. Patricia Morrison did a good job of describing the reality of it from the angle of how it impacts the children who are in it, as well as the ineptitude of many foster parents who, instead of nurturing those in their care, end up neglecting and abusing those in their care. The title, as such, is apt since Jules was neglected by the Chapmans and mistreated by Mrs. Chapman rather than nurtured - the same type of treatment she was subjected to by her father with the exception of having enough food to eat and people around her to make sure her physical needs were met. In both homes, she was made to feel unloved and worthless.

Another reality that was relayed well by Patricia Morrison was the switch in social workers. Despite how long it takes to earn a bachelor's degree, social workers typically remain in their position for three months. A year is considered long compared to most. Caseloads can be vast, so although social workers may have entered the profession to help children in need, they are often balancing too heavy a workload, so they may not recognize the signs of neglect in foster homes, or have time to regularly visit foster children. As such, foster children like Jules often end up in situations that are more harmful than good.

The lack of reaction by the school to Jules consistent absences from class and her absence from the music production may also be a reality with many schools. While they should be following up, some may not, which encourages truancy.

A few things which did not quite gel for me. First, if Patsy could not reach Jules by phone, surely she would have gone to Jules house since she lived so close by. Second was the length of time it took for Mrs. Adamson to alert the authorities despite Jules' consistent visits to the store by herself when she was only 11 and the amount of time Jules spent there. Third is the lack of reaction of Mrs. Adamson and her children following Jules' visit to Mrs. Adamson's house. Jules was warmly received in their home, but there was no mention of warmness from the Adamson children towards Jules at school, even from Katie who loved Jules from the start. Mention of them following Jules' visit seemed flat in comparison. Mrs. Adamson's reaction to why Jules was not visiting anymore, especially with all she knew about Jules' background, would also more likely have spurred her to follow up with Jules' social worker.

Despite what did not quite gel, I loved the story, mostly because the author added Jules' feelings throughout in italics so that I felt like I was in Jules' skin. This method gave me a stronger sense of what it may feel like for children in Jules' situation, so adhered me to Jules' character from the start. I am looking forward to more books by this author and hope that the author uses this method again. It gave it a unique twist that set it apart from other books I have read. ( )

This is a wonderful book. It is written for middle school age or young adult, but it is also an excellent read for adults. It is about a young girl who has been abandoned by those who should be loving and caring for her. Her experiences with the foster care system are not much better. But there is ONE person who truly sees her, and understands and cares. Who ultimately makes a difference.

It is an emotionally tough read, and it does not candy coat the harsh realities of life that I suspect too many children share. But it also has hope, and does not talk down to its audience. And it does show that individuals can make a difference, and that people, even in dreadful circumstances can find resiliency.

This is a book well worth reading. Highly recommended. ( )

As someone who has a lot of contact with children in the foster care system, I feel like this book has done the best job of any work of fiction I have read of realistically portraying that experience. Yes, it is dark, and painful, and at times hopeless. This is a story that ultimately brings a degree of redemption, but I also think it offers a profound insight into an experience that many children face. It is clear that the author has had significant experience with the foster care system as well as many children who have experienced that first-hand. A challenging read emotionally, but well worth your time. ( )

The book was very interesting, but I must admit it wasn't for me. For a younger audience I believe this is a great read! I hope many other people get the chance to read it too. It deserves an audience.

I got this book free from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.

I have to warn you, this is a pretty depressing book. The eleven-year-old protagonist, Jules, lives with her single dad, an alcoholic who sometimes leaves her home alone for days at a time. Her clothes are filthy and what food there is in the house is often spoiled. Eventually Jules comes to the attention of social services, who place her in a foster home and tell her dad to clean up his act.

In most books, this would be where things start to brighten up. Not so in Shadow Girl: Jules's father continues to drink, drifts from job to job and misses visitations and court dates, not seeming to care whether he gets his daughter back or not. Her foster family provides adequate food and shelter, but they make it clear that she's an uninvited guest, barely tolerated. And Jules loses contact with the only adult in her life who cares about her.

Although the book does end on a happy note, it's a long time getting to that point. Honestly I think Jules's foster care experience is probably more true-to-life than the novels you read about children who are rescued by compassionate social workers and placed with angelic foster mothers. But the whole atmosphere of the book was gray and dreary, and it was hard for me to get through. ( )