Description
How do you face life without a place to call home?
Anna Casey is learning to deal with the loss of her family and adjust to living in a foster home with Miss Dupree. Feeling abandoned and alone, Anna turns to her closest companion, her explorer journal filled with drawn maps of her earlier neighborhoods and all the places that she has called home.
Anna is determined to become part of a real family, and with the help of a scrawny new friend named Eb, an unconventional biology teacher in cowboy boots, a homeless Vietnam vet, and a motley crew of kids from the neighborhood, Anna discovers a sense of belonging…and her own place in the world.
With warmth and humor, award-winning author Adrian Fogelin follows up her critically acclaimed novel Crossing Jordan with the story of a young girl’s trials and triumphs as she tries to find a home.
Reviews
“Anna has inner pluck and outer charm: she’s been through a lot, but knows what needs to be done. Evocative descriptions bubble up from a deep reality…. And places are found, if not the ones both kids thought they wanted.” ―Booklist
“Adrian Fogelin is a master of writing the good book….spot on looks at the complexities of life.” ―Kiss the Book
Awards
Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2003
Young Adult Top Forty ―Pennsylvania School Library Association, 2001
Carol D. Reiser Book Award for Inspiring Future Volunteers ―Metro Atlanta Corporate Volunteer Council, 2003
Sunshine State Young Readers Award (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Florida Association for Media in Education, 2003-2004
Mark Twain Award (Nominee) ―Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2003-2004
More Details
AR Level: 3.8
F&P: U, Gr 5, Genre RF
Lexile: 490L
Themes: Change, Conservation, Foster Children, Friendship, Moving, Military Veterans
BISAC 1: JUV013050 JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Orphans & Foster Homes
BISAC 2: JUV039060 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Friendship
BISAC 3: JUV039050 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Emotions & Feelings
