Kate DiCamillo always has a great main character in her books. She also makes sure to have rich secondary-characters, ones you’d welcome if they ever had their own story. And so, Louisiana Elefante, a friend of Raymie Nightingale (the title of the book where you first meet Louisiana), is the centerpiece and narrator of this new tale. But no worries if you missed the first book (although I’m sure you will want to read it, too). This one stands as a separate story.

It’s a compelling look at the life of a child who has never met her parents and only knows of them from what her Granny has told her. But Granny is having issues in her own life. She takes Louisiana from their home in Florida and they end up in Georgia. It’s there that the story evolves into a sweet, heartbreaking, and often tender tale of finding your way.

The ample margins in the book along with the honest narration make reading this somewhat quiet story a real page turner. I’m looking forward to reading it aloud to a group of kids. Far too many will understand the fears and frustration along with what lies ahead for Louisiana.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2018   PAGE COUNT: 240

THE OFFICIAL BLURB (From AMAZON)

LOUISIANA’S WAY HOME

1. There is always someone to help those in need. For Louisiana it is a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder. Burke could easily become Kate DiCamillo’s next story.
2. Sad in parts but there are also surprising laughs along the way. The lady in curlers and the walrus-like minister to name a few.
3. The voice is powerful and spot-on. Louisiana is  a memorable character we will never forget.
4. The first and last pages squeeze you tight into the realization of an excellent story well told.
5. Both children and adults will benefit from the message and hopefulness in the story. Especially for those where rejection is a dark shadow they can’t escape.

FAVORITE LINES (They grab you from the first page)

I am going to write it all down, so that what happened to me will be known, so that if someone were to stand at their window at night and look up at the stars and think, My goodness, whatever happened to Louisiana Elefante? Where did she go? they will have an answer. They will know.

A QUOTE FROM KATE

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF—there is no right or wrong way to tell a story. This is one reason that writing is so wonderful and terrifying: you have to find your own way. Be kind to yourself. Listen to other people. And then strike out on your own. (For more visit her author website)

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Make a comment if you have time. I enjoy reading all of them. Click on the comments link below.