Van Alkemade, Kim

The story of how Rachel gains agency—psychologically, bodily, and romantically—never feels forced. This is not a plucky orphan narrative; ingrained years of submissive behavior often make it hard for Rachel to get out of her own way. Though van Alkemade defaults to telling rather than showing, Rachel's moments of courage still feel earned. Her burgeoning feelings for another girl at the home are treated with depth and help the story stand out from others. The premise and lesbian representation make this a solid recommendation for fans of Jodi Picoult and Sarah Waters.