Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Louisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo

How I Heard About It:  Kate DiCamillo novels are some of my favorite middle-grade stories.  It was exciting to learn she was writing a companion book to Ramie Nightingale.  I was excited to get back to these characters' stories, especially Louisiana's.  I had the pleasure of hearing Kate speak here in St. Paul on Saturday, October 6th.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  

1.  *While the first story centered around Rayme, this time around Kate DiCamillo focuses on Louisiana and her story.  




2.  *Louisiana is living with her "granny" and enjoying her life.  One night, granny wakes up Louisiana and tells her they must leave town and leave right away. 

3.  *At first, Louisiana just thinks her granny is being "granny", but after a bit of time, she realizes this trip is of a completely different kind.  

4.  *Louisiana and her granny find themselves in a small town in Georgia.  It is in this small town that Louisiana meets and gets to know a variety of characters.  

5.  *When her granny disappears, Louisiana learns about her past and the family that she thought she knew.  Her world is turned upside down and she begins a journey to make some sense of it.  


What I Thought Of It:  The story was a quick read and 100% enjoyable.  There is something special about Kate DiCamillo's writing style.  It not only draws you into the story, but forces the reader to concentrate and enjoy each and every word she puts on the page.  Her characters are like no other and become your "friend" by the end of the story.  As a reader, I enjoyed the plot, but more than that enjoyed getting to know Louisiana better and the cast of characters that surrounded her.  I'm thrilled to add this newest title to my DiCamillo collection of books in my classroom.  


Who Should Read It:   All fans of Kate's need to read this work of fiction.  I know they won't be disappointed.  Of course it will make more sense for your readers to have read Rayme Nightingale first so they have that frame of reference.  I would recommend this title to third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade readers.  Middle-school readers would also be a great audience for the book.  Happy Reading!  



Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars!









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