****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Another tremendous book by Joan Bauer!! Life has handed 12 year old Sugar a plateful of hardship--a drunken, gambling, mostly absent father, a fragile mother, and homelessness. But this young lady had a grandfather who instilled in her a sense of hope and determination that is present is all she does and says. A creative and caring teacher encourages her use her gift of writing to express herself while also providing a stable sounding-board, even when a cross country move separates them physically. Like all of Bauer's books, resolution is satisfying, but not perfect which will resound with those who object to the more unrealistic, fairy tale ending of other titles in this "sad-happy" genre. Librarians and teachers should put this one, along with others by Ms. Bauer, into the hands of students who need to find some hope in their own lives as well as those who need to find some sympathy for others and gratitude for their blessings. "Almost Home" is a must-read for students in grades 5-8. I read this one on my Kindle and highlighted so many uplifting sections that need to sink into the hearts of readers and stick with them during the rough times that are inevitable for all.
