Description
Praise for Almost Home by Joan Bauer "Sugar's voice is convincing, both as storyteller and young writer; her natural good humor shines through what could be a sad story indeed. Quirky supporting characters—both human and dog—add to its appeal. Sugar...will win readers hearts." — Kirkus , starred review "sure to inspire"xa0— Library Media Connection , starred review "Bauer's trademark humor lightens the serious subject matter, while Sugar's frank honesty will give young readers a glimpse at a situation affecting a growing number of children." — Booklist “Sugar's anger, fear, humility, and resolve are portrayed with insight and compassion.” — Publishers Weekly “a memorable novel” — School Library Journal “Almost Home… skillfully tells the tale of precocious and street-smart Sugar Mae Cole.” — New York Times Book Review “While Bauer fans will definitely want to get their paws on this one, there's plenty of realism here to draw a wider crowd.” — BCCB Joan Bauer has won critical acclaim for her many books, which include the Newbery Honor Book Hope Was Here as well as Rules of the Road , winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. I had a long night. I kept getting out of bed and walking through the house, remembering when we moved here after Reba and Mr. Leeland got divorced the first time. I was in second grade, and King Cole and Reba scraped together all they had and bought this house together. We were so proud to have our own little place. We painted the front door emerald green. It wasn’t the best paint job, but I remember going through that door and feeling my life was fresh and new and all the shadows from Mr. Leeland’s gambling were behind us. King Cole and I painted the wooden fence white and we fixed the cement steps. Reba and I planted peonies in the garden, and she repaired the rips in the screen door with clear nail polish. Mr. Leeland lived with us a few times, but he never stayed for long. He only cared if there was food and beer in the refrigerator, but me, Reba, and King Cole took care of this house with everything we had.xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0 How could we be losing it? Read more
Features & Highlights
- Newbery Honor winner Joan Bauer's new novel will touch your heart When twelve-year-old Sugar's grandfather dies and her gambling father takes off yet again, Sugar and her mother lose their home in Missouri. They head to Chicago for a fresh start, only to discover that fresh starts aren't so easy to come by for the homeless. Nevertheless, Sugar's mother has taught her to be grateful no matter what, so Sugar does her best. With the help of a rescue dog, Shush; a foster family; a supportive teacher; a love of poetry; and her own grace and good humor, Sugar comes to understand that while she can't control the hand life deals her, she can control how she responds.
