Skip to main content

Review: The Wrong Way Home

 
The Wrong Way Home 
By Kate O’Shaughnessy 
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2024. Fiction. 325 pages. 

Fern and her mother live in an isolated community called the Ranch where their community leader, Dr. Ben, tells them to avoid all the things that could ruin their lives and health (cell phones, books that aren’t written by Dr. Ben, sugar, computers, anything from the outside world…) When Fern’s mom sneaks them off the Ranch to go and live in the modern world, Fern's only wish is to go back to the life she has known. As Fern starts to live in a seaside town in California, she begins to realize that maybe the teachings of Dr. Ben aren’t quite true. For example, her science teacher with diabetes would die if he didn’t have medicine. Also, Fern starts to make friends who get her interested in books, the environment, and learning about whales and things. Fern then has to navigate all the mixed-up feelings that come with each new discovery, fighting against the sense of home and acceptance that she felt at the Ranch. 

This is a good book that deals with seeing the signs of cult-like behaviors and who to trust and what is good vs. evil. Fern is a remarkable kid who has a lot to learn and discover about herself, her mom, and the world. Kids who want to think and who are interested in trying to understand why other kids might have different beliefs, opinions, or who just might need some extra love and support will enjoy reading Fern’s story.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Faker

Faker By Gordon Korman New York: Scholastic Press, 2024. Fiction. 214 pages. 12-year-old Trey is used to starting over at a new school -- he has the routine perfectly memorized: make new friends, introduce his dad to the wealthy parents of his new friends, and "Houdini" themselves out of there before they get caught running their latest scam. Trey's dad is a master con artist, and Trey has just been promoted to full-partner. Their new scheme for the next big score brings them to the affluent suburb of Boxelder, TN where Trey's dad has cooked up a fake electric car company for investors to buy into. The only problem is that Trey is starting to grow tired of moving around and never putting down roots, especially after forming a fast friendship with Logan and developing a crush on Kaylee, a socially conscious girl in his class. As Trey longs for a normal life, is there any way he can convince his dad to get out of the family business? Gordon Korman is a perennial favorit...

You Need to Read: Percy Jackson

I was a kid myself when  The Lightning Thief  by Rick Riordan was published, and it didn't take long for the Percy Jackson series to take the world by storm. Being the son of a Poseidon, Percy Jackson has some unique challenges as a half-blood. Here's some books that I think could've helped Percy when he was on his adventures trying to save the world: Greeking Out: Heroes and Olympians Written by Kenny Curtis and Jillian Hughes Illustrated by Javier Espila Washington D.C.: National Geographic, 2024. Informational. 191 pages. Percy, I know Chiron did a good job teaching you about mythology in Latin class, but this book is sure to be good to have on hand while you're traveling across the United States. Greeking Out  is written in a kid-friendly voice with vivid illustrations and a sometimes-snarky tone (much like Percy himself). It also presents real-life creatures and places along with the information about Greek mythology. The Homework Squad's ADHD Guide to School S...

Display: Flowers

The Language of Flowers Written by Shyala Smith Illustrated by Aaron Paul Asis United Kingdom: Lantana Publishing Ltd., 2024. Picture Book. Juhi loves helping her Appa sell flowers to the local community. In Appa's flower shop, Juhi knows the language of love--lilies for affection, irises for hugs and kisses. She knows the language of faith--frangipani for full moon days, red hibiscus for the temple. She knows the language of celebration--daffodils for the newborn, peonies for a birthday cake. But when her Appa tells her that her favorite customer has passed away, she does not know the language of grief. While Appa makes a bouquet of lilies and orchids to bring to Mr. Potter's funeral, Juhi decides to make him one final bouquet of her own. Which flowers will she choose to remember a man who was always so full of life? --Publisher The Weedflower Written by Elizabeth Davaze Illustrated by Marianne Ferrer Toronto; Berkeley, CA: Owlkids Books, 2024. Picture Book.  A modern schoolya...