Review: 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

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...

If You Like...Ladybugs

Spring is almost upon us! We'll have more rain instead of snow, flowers will start blooming, and more bugs will be out. Ladybugs are some of the prettiest insects--and the least intimidating for those more wary of bugs. If you like ladybugs, check out these books! Ladybugs Do Not Go to Preschool Written by Ali Rutstein Illustrated by Nin̋a Nill Richmond, VA: Bright Light, 2024. Picture Book. Ravi loves ladybugs--he eats aphids instead of cornflakes for breakfast, brushes his mandibles instead of teeth, and has a ladybug costume complete with wings and antennae. He is certain that ladybugs don't have to go to preschool, and when Mom says that Ravi still has to go to school, he is nervous. However, thanks to Mom's patience and gentle encouragement, Ravi makes some new friends and realizes that preschool might be a good place for ladybugs after all. A Perfect Spot By Isabelle Simler Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2022. Picture Book. A ladybug is ready to ...

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...

Provo Library Children's Book Blog

Search This Blog