Book Review: Louisiana's Way Home

Such a beautiful book cover!  Do you agree?

At a children's book workshop I attended last year, the guest speaker called Kate DiCamillo "the oddest book author in children's literature."  Don't get me wrong, the guest speaker meant this as a compliment, not a criticism.  And thank goodness for her odd-ness, otherwise we wouldn't have this gem: Louisiana's Way Home!

I get it... When I worked at an elementary school library, I found that children either like Kate DiCamillo or they don't.  Most 2nd and 3rd graders start off with Because of Winn-Dixie, continue with The Tale of Despereaux, and then when they read Flora and Ulysses they stop.  Something about Flora and Ulysses makes them not want to read anymore Kate DiCamillo books.  Holy Bagumba!  Fortunately, I was able to steer them towards The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane or the Magician's Elephant because I honestly think that children need to be reading DiCamillo's books.  She can craft a new world in her books that you cannot resist.

Circling back to Louisiana's Way Home, I admit that I never got around to reading Raymie Nightingale before I read the ARC for Louisiana's Way Home.  It wasn't necessary, though, because Louisiana's story branches off from the story in Raymie Nightingale.  I did end up reading Raymie Nightingale after Louisiana's Way Home because I absolutely fell in love with these characters and I think you will too!  Pre-order Louisiana's Way Home here or get your copy at your local bookstore on October 2nd, 2018.

Kate DiCamillo has crafted another beautifully, bittersweet novel that is bound to engulf you into Louisiana Elephante’s world!  Louisiana’s Way Home is a powerful story that will challenge readers to think about who they are and who they want to become.  Raised by her Granny, Louisiana seemingly lives a nomadic life focused on escaping a family curse.  Unexpected circumstances force Louisiana to come to terms with her growing resentment towards her Granny.  She must make difficult choices that will form her future, which no 12-year-old should have to do.  With help from her new friend, Burke Allen, Louisiana navigates a new life path where she can surround herself with love, happiness, and perhaps grow some family roots.  Louisiana’s Way Home is a charming book full of humor, sadness, joy, and… peanuts! 

Thank you to Candlewick Press and NetGalley for providing me with this E-ARC.  It is greatly appreciated!