On The Loose (Katie Parker Productions #2)   by Jenny B. Jones

Have you ever known a foster kid?

Katie Parker is a foster kid in the town of In Between. Her foster parents have a big set of problems, Millie, her foster mom, has cancer. Her parents also have a daughter whom they’ve not seen in years.

Katie has a crush on a guy named Trevor, and she has a science project to do with her science partner, Charlie. Her best friend, Frances, has a crush on a guy, too, (Nash – a grungy musician) and Katie is determined to set the two of them up. She solicits Charlie to help with her set-up plan. She has mixed feelings about soliciting Charlie’s help – he asks Katie to be nice to his stuck-up, egocentric girlfriend, Chelsea, in return. Katie doesn’t know if she can befriend the snobby barbie-doll-like Chelsea, but, she sucks it up and promises to try to be nice.

And…there’s also a big hurricane that puts all of these events into motion. As a result of this natural disaster, Katie is forced to share her room with Maxine, her eccentric, nerve-wracking foster grandmother. Rooming with this weird, old lady is a lot for her to stomach. They do not always get along, and plus, Millie snores. How is Katie supposed to get any sleep?

Katie finds her feelings for Trevor see-sawing as she works with him on a play. Her life is confusing and when she’s mistakenly blamed for a crime, she wonders what else can happen in her messed up life.

I really enjoyed this novel.  The author’s voice really captured the angst and emotions of a teen-aged girl. Katie’s problems were very realistic as she struggles with her lack of faith. This is the second book in the series. I read the first book, In Between, years ago and I really enjoyed it!

So, have you ever known a foster kid?