No Place Like Home by James Bird

How I Heard About It:
*Being a huge fan of James Bird and his writing, I have been waiting patiently for the release of his third middle-grade novel.  This time around it was going to be his most personal story sharing the story of his early days in California.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Life for Opin, his brother Emjay, and their mother hasn't been easy.  In fact, it has been downright difficult and horrible.

*When Opin's father crosses a "line", his mother knows it is time to take her boys and get out of the situation they are currently living in.

*This decision leaves the three of them homeless, making their way from northern California to Los Angeles where Opin's uncle lives.

*Opin enjoys the "game" his mother has created for the two of them and everything they do in order to survive is considered an adventure.  Opin's older brother doesn't quite buy into the "game".

*With their Native American Ojibwa background, determination, and desire for a better life, Odin's family demonstrates a strength most people couldn't even imagine.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*From the moment I read the first word to the moment I closed the book I was completely one hundred percent engaged in the story James Bird laid out on each and every page.

*Knowing the story was based on James' childhood, made the story personal, raw, and full of emotion.

*The connection to the actual events in their life to the symbolism of the Ojibwa beliefs was so well done and I found myself rereading those passages.

*I appreciate that James Bird didn't shy away from the reality of being homeless and the situations families find themselves in.  

*Whether you have been homeless, knows someone who has been homeless, or have never experienced homelessness; this is an important story that truly needs to be experienced.


Who Should Read It:
*EVERYONE!  This would make for a strong class read aloud in grades four and above.  There would be so much to discuss, process, and think about.  If you put the book in the hands of an individual, I would suggest they are in fifth grade or higher.  I also know this story will create a heart print of adult readers.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   5+ STARS out of 5 Stars