Louisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo tells more of Louisiana's story, one of her characters from Raymie Nightingale, in a novel that can be read as a stand alone.

Louisiana's Granny woke her in the middle of the night and they started to drive away from her friends, her cat, her home. Louisiana is not sure where they are going, but it becomes clear they are not going back. They stop in Georgia, at the Good Night, Sleep Tight hotel and it is here that Louisiana finds out truths about her life that change everything.

Louisiana's story is one of transformation. She discovers who she is and finds her place in the world. There is sadness in Louisiana's life, but out of that sadness grows hope. This is a story about family and friendship and home. It gives a lot for the reader to think about including the power of kindness and forgiveness.

There is a whimsical quality to Kate DiCamillo's writing. Louisiana's voice shines as she observes life and those around her. She's a character with spunk and resilience who readers will be rooting for from the first page.

Both beautiful and hopeful, Louisiana's Way Home is a book that will tug at your heart strings.

Thanks to the publisher, Candlewick, for the advance reading copy.
The book publishes in October.