The Way Back Home
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Andersen Press
Age 12+
Personal & Social Issues: Sexuality & Relationships Personal & Social Issues: Self-Awareness & Self-Esteem Personal & Social Issues: Bullying, Violence & Abuse School Stories Family & Home Stories
Zoe Bird is going nowhere fast. She’s angry and lonely, and her only true friend is her granny, whose Alzheimer’s is worsening. When her parents put Granny in a home, Zoe decides now is the time to break free. She smuggles Granny out and together they hit the tracks on a cross-country trip to find Zoe’s long-lost uncle. But there will be some home truths along the way. . .
An emotional story about family, surviving school and being true to yourself for fans of The Art of Being Normal and Unbecoming.
Creators
Allan Stratton is the internationally bestselling and awarded author of Chanda’s Secrets, which was made into the Cannes Festival hit Life, Above All. Awards include the Printz Honour Book, two Junior Library Guild selections (US), two Canadian Library Association Best Book Awards, inclusion on the inaugural Pearson Foundation/Writers' Trust Read-for-Your-School list, and a Times Book of the Week. His work has been published in fifteen countries. For more information, please visit his website at www.allanstratton.com
Reviews
The Way Back Home is a heartfelt, riveting novel from a master of his craft
Quill and Quire
Terrific. I read it in one big gulp. Does Stratton have an ear for dialogue or what? His splendid new novel involves a journey from a painful past into something like, well, utter grace. Like all of Stratton’s work, this is a read that makes us recognise the pilgrimages we are all on, and cheer at the thought that they might, they really might, be successful.
Gary D Schmidt
An emotional story of survival, loss, family and memory… a thought-provoking book that is both shocking and funny in equal measure
Carousel
The novel discusses many important topics such as bullying, mental health and the loss of a loved one. Zoe’s experiences are certain to resonate with young teenagers, making it an honest and relatable read
INIS
An absorbing and emotionally truthful story about the conflict between generations and the misunderstandings that can break families apart
The School Librarian
By turns heartbreaking and hilarious, and always life-affirming, this will be adored by readers who enjoyed Jacqueline Wilson at a younger age.
Lovereading4Kids
Thought-provoking, sad, touching and funny… this is a book which does not fear discussing sexuality and transgender issues and how, like age and illness, they can marginalise people.
Armadillo Magazine
Raw and moving, this is a powerful read about a very special friendship.
Inis Reading Guide
This book is one to remember! Exploring many different and deep concepts and emotions, The Way Back Home shows the importance of family, friendship and trust.
for lovereading4Kids.co.uk
The Way Back Home enticed me more and more with each page, as I read on, I found myself unable to stop.
for lovereading4Kids.co.uk
One of the best books I have read in a long time.
for lovereading4Kids.co.uk
The Way Back Home was an interesting and different book to what I have read before. Inside the pages lies a vivid story, about a girl trying to protect herself and her granny.
for lovereading4Kids.co.uk
Zoe is an inspiring girl with a big heart and an even bigger set of values that are commendable. Loved her! Go read this immediately!
Edel's Book, Beauty, Life blog
Grab your tissues, because you’re seriously going to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride with this book.
The Bibliophile Girl blog
Zoe’s voice is authentic, and readers will be sympathetic to her struggle. Stratton does an excellent job of bring conflicts to a head… Funny, raw and heartbreaking, this emotional story about family, loss and transformation will touch readers and raise questions about loyalty, justice and forgiveness.
Canadian Children's Booknews
