Monday, January 21, 2019

Bibliophile's Corner

Louisiana's Way Home
by Kate DiCamillo

Flap Copy Description:
When Louisiana Elefante’s granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn’t overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from her best friends, Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana’s life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of a small Georgia town — including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister, and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder — she starts to worry that she is destined only for good-byes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana’s and Granny’s heads. But that is a story for another time.)

My Thoughts:
Kate DeCamillo's middle grade novel, Louisiana's Way Home, just may be her best book yet. (And that's saying something; she's a two-time Newbery winner!) The voice of the protagonist (Louisiana) alone, is something to behold. However, it is the story's theme of perseverance and survival that will break your heart. It's been quite a while since a children's book has brought me to tears, but this one certainly did just that. I highly recommend Louisiana's Way Home to readers of all ages!

Click here to learn about the award-winning author, Kate DiCamillo.