Anna Was Here

Gr 3–6—When fourth-grader Anna is told that her family has to move from Colorado to rural Kansas, she is beyond upset. Her father is a minister and is needed back in his hometown, so it's off to Oakwood, where, for better or worse, nearly everyone in the small town is a relative. Having always had a preoccupation with safety (she even has her own Safety Club), Anna has a lot to prepare for. Hesitant to start a new school, she joins up with her cousin to be homeschooled on her aunt's farm. However, things go from bad to worse when her younger sister and mother head back to Colorado without her because her grandfather is ill. Anna must try to navigate her family's history, fit into a new community, and prepare for natural disasters, all while figuring out what God has planned for her and Midnight H. Cat. Filled with biblical allusions and simple discussions of faith, this is a sweet book with a lot of heart. Anna's struggles with adjusting to a new town will be relatable to kids going through a move, although the religious themes may be a bit much for some. This gentle story ultimately has a happy resolution. Anna's safety tips on everything from rattlesnakes to clouds are sure to entertain readers.—Kerry Roeder, Professional Children's School, New York City