Written by Andrea Beatriz Arango, Illustrated by
This is a beautiful and heartfelt story about what home is, and who home is, written in verse. Eleven-year-old Laura is going through major changes as she enters foster care with an aunt she has never met before. Both of her parents are struggling with addiction and unable to care for her. This story packs so much into every page. Laura and her aunt are Puerto Rican. Her aunt speaks some Spanish to her. She befriends a boy who has sickle cell anemia. She adopts a stray dog and learns about therapy dogs. There is foster care, social services, and therapy representation. She is interested in bird watching and many verses compare birds to her current situation. This novel has a piece of my heart, and I am excited to introduce it to my students.
Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Librarian, Whittier Elementary School
Review shared in October 2023
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 5-8
Something Like Home
Written by Andrea Beatriz Arango
Random House
248 pages
Release Date: September 12, 2023
ISBN: 9780593566183
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
