The Last Grand Adventure

Gr 4–7—Historical fiction lovers are in for a treat with this heartfelt tale of discovery and hope. Twelve-year-old Bea is living unhappily with her newly blended family after her parents' divorce—young stepsister Sally particularly annoys her, and she misses her traveling reporter mother. Still, she's nervous to spend several weeks with Pidge, her grandmother, about whom she knows little. Despite warnings to be wary of unusual, forgetful behavior, Bea agrees to join Pidge on a secret, half-baked journey from California to her childhood home in Kansas in hopes to be reunited with her long-lost sister, Amelia Earhart. Pidge has been receiving mysterious letters from Meelie for decades and believes she is still alive. Bea, intrigued with the family mystery and warming to her grandmother's quirks, supports her as they stow away, hitchhike, and take to the skies in a desperate attempt to reach Kansas—despite Bea's nagging suspicion about the letters' authenticity. This story has much to love, from the touching development of Bea and Pidge's relationship to Bea conquering her fears and discovering the appeal of adventure. Bea even sees her stepsister in a new light as she witnesses the bond between Pidge and Meelie that transcends time and space. Young history buffs will appreciate the back matter, including a historical author's note, selected bibliography, and list of which quotes in the book are authentic.