2/5 stars
First of all, I enjoy any premise that shows what it's like for a student with disabilities to be in school. With that said, though, as an educator, I found it to be a little condescending. Basically, Mary DiNunzio (and I love these books) has taken on a case for a grandfather and a 5th grader who has severe dyslexia. There are 2 cases- one that she is adamant that the school is not doing enough for this now illiterate child, and second that the boy was abused by a teacher. And of course, there is a murder mystery in there which was pretty fun.
Ok, so the plot line, fair to midland. But what really got me was the student was in 5th grade but seemed to have the characteritics of more like a kindergartener or a 1st grader in the way he talked. Secondly, it seems like the schools were demonized. I get it- the schools are not reaching all the kids, they are lacking in money, yadda yadda. But hey, society is also changing and the parents and teachers are always working together so it's not always the dark, dungeony schools at fault. I'm just on a little soapbox right now.
I have no idea about foster homes, so I have no room to speak on that. I did find it interesting. Overall, I wasn't overwhelmed by this installment, but it had a couple of good moments. So I'll give it maybe 2 1/2 stars. But I just had ice cream and am feeling generous right now.