Forever, or a Long, Long Time
Caela Carter
📚 Genre
Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade
🏢 Publisher
HarperCollins (Harper)
📅 Publication Year
2017
🔢 ISBN
9780062385710 (Standard ISBN-13 for Hardcover)
About This Book
The story follows Flora and her brother Julian, who have lived in many foster homes and have trouble believing that their current placement is permanent. The novel explores themes of trauma, foster care, belonging, and the meaning of family as the children embark on a journey with their mother to revisit their past and find where they 'began.' The cover features a starry night sky with hand-lettered teal script and two children standing near the shore under constellations.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
320 pages
Edition
First Edition, Hardcover (likely)
Series
Standalone novel
Target Audience
Middle Grade (Ages 8-12)
Collector Information
Condition
Very Good to Like New. The dust jacket is crisp with sharp corners, no visible tears, and the colors are vibrant. Minimal shelf wear is visible on the bottom edges.
Estimated Value
$10-$18
Rarity
Common. This edition is widely available through major retailers and second-hand markets as it is a relatively recent contemporary middle-grade release.
Historical Significance
Critically acclaimed for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of the foster care system and its psychological impact on children. It has been featured on many school reading lists and library recommendation lists for middle grade empathy building.
Collector Notes
For collectors, ensure the dust jacket is present as the cover art is a primary draw. Check for 'First Edition' or a matching number line on the copyright page for first-run status. Value is generally stable but not currently appreciating significantly; it is best collected for its literary merit and cover aesthetic.
Similar Books
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan, Three Keys by Kelly Yang, Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Notable Features
Includes internal illustrations by the author; features hand-lettered cover typography and distinct constellation/nebula artwork.