Louisiana's Way Home

Louisiana Elefante was introduced to readers in Raymie Nightingale. Although this book can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend you start with Raymie's story. This book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions as you journey along with Louisiana. She's thrown into some odd situations that she handles with strength, grit and grace. She meets interesting characters along the way, all while figuring out some of life's challenges. This book deals with unusual friendships, wisdom beyond years and less than perfect circumstances. Life is not a fairytale and neither is Louisana's Way Home.

More in depth review at : http://coastandanchor.com/kate-dicamillo-louisiana-rosie/

I read these out of order, but I don't think it mattered that much in the end. Honestly, I can see why kids are so obsessed with these poor characters who get thrown into dangerous (actually life-threatening!) situations and, by sheer force of having a good attitude meet some characters who get them out of trouble. As an adult, I can't help but cringe. Children being abandoned in motels! Children running away and then living with strangers! But I understand why a child would love it because I found myself cheering them on. Go, Louisiana, you can do it! Sing yourself into a new home (at the same time I'm thinking can someone please get this kid's lungs checked?)
If I step back and say, hey, this isn't any more dangerous than two kids running away and living in a museum, I get it. I loved characters like that when I was little. My Side of the Mountain? Yes, please.

Anyone else wish they could meet Raymie, Lousiana, and Beverly (especially Beverly- she's my favorite) as adults? I hope they turned out okay after all of this happened to them.