Written by Jo Knowles
It’s summer vacation, but instead of a relaxing, fun time there are lots of things affecting 13 year old Rachel that she has to deal with this summer. First, she has been best friends with Micah since they were little. He’s her one constant and always there for her. Rachel knows Micah would like to be more than friends but she just doesn’t feel that way about him, which brings up all kinds of different emotions, thoughts, and worries. Second, she’s taken a new job taking care of animals on a small farm and it’s a challenge. Third, her parents seem more and more stressed about money and have begun to fight about it often, which they usually don’t do. She’s worried about what this means for her and her family and for the wonderful house full of memories they live in. Will she always stay friends with Micah as they’ve promised, even if she doesn’t like him in “that way?” Will her family be able to stay in their home? Does it matter where you live as long as you’re with the people you love?
Review by Jennifer Porter, Crestview Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 5-8
Where the Heart Is
Written by Jo Knowles
Candlewick Press
292 pages
Release Date: April 2, 2019
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
