365 Days to Alaska

Written by: Cathy Carr

Amulet Books, 2021. Fiction.

Rigel Harman loves her home that is off grid in the Alaskan wilderness. She likes the quiet and ruggedness of the wilderness and she doesn't mind not having running water or electricity. Her world is exactly the way she likes it until everything falls apart. Her parents get a divorce and she, her mom and two sisters leave Alaska and move to Connecticut. Rigel hates Connecticut! The only thing that keeps her going is the secret agreement she made with her dad to stay one year and then move back to Alaska with him. One year is a towering obstacle that feels like it will never end and the challenges of middle school only add to her melancholy. She is lonely and can't seem to connect with anyone at school until she befriends a crow living behind the school. She eventually learns that she can make new friends here in Connecticut if she is willing to give people a chance.

This was a delightful story about a young eleven year-old girl who feels like a fish out of water. Rigel really struggles to accept her new life and this new culture she has been thrown into. Her struggles and attempts to fit in are very believable. The author also adds in bits of humor throughout the story and heartwarming experiences that helps readers relate to Rigel and her struggles. This is an excellent story about what makes up a family and the importance of having family and friends around to help you through the difficult times.

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