A Million Ways Home

Gr 4–6—After her parents' untimely death, Poppy lives a happy and normal life with her grandmother. When her grandma suffers a severe stroke, Poppy is moved into an uncomfortable children's home and her life changes for the worse. While sneaking out to visit her grandmother's nursing home, Poppy witnesses an armed robbery. She and the criminal get a good look at one another before he escapes. For her protection, the police send Poppy to stay with the mother of one of the detectives. Poppy connects with her new caretakers, befriends a troubled girl her own age, and visits an animal shelter where she falls for a dog scheduled to be put down. As she works to save the dog, she gains confidence in herself, and deeper insight into how the world works. She learns the importance of doing the right thing and trusting those who care about her. Dead or missing parents are a familiar device to put a young protagonist alone in the world. This is not the case with Poppy's parents. Despite having no memory of them, she thinks of them often and wonders about the circumstances of their deaths. Being an orphan isn't exciting and cool here. Readers who have experienced some of Poppy's hardships might find her path a little too easy. But those who have not will respond well to the chirpy first-person narration which keeps the tone light and accessible. The book explores some dark themes, but does so in a very gentle way.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK