The Wrong Way Home

The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy has been on my to-read list ever since it won the Newbery honor this year, and I finally got it from the library to read on my Kindle. The book description says, "Fern’s lived at the Ranch, an off-the-grid, sustainable community in upstate New York, since she was six. The work is hard, but Fern admires the Ranch's leader, Dr. Ben. So when Fern’s mother sneaks them away in the middle of the night and says Dr. Ben is dangerous, Fern doesn't believe it. She wants desperately to go back, but her mom just keeps driving. Suddenly thrust into the treacherous, toxic, outside world, Fern can think only of how to get home. She has a plan, but it will take time. As that time goes by, though, Fern realizes there are things she will miss from this place—the library, a friend from school, the ocean—and there are things she learned at the Ranch that are just...not true. Now Fern will have to decide. How much is she willing to give up to return to the Ranch? Should she trust Dr. Ben’s vision for her life? Or listen to the growing feeling that she can live by her own rules?"

This was such a good read! I was engaged from the very beginning and loved following the story. There were great characters, some great/stressful action, and meaningful lessons learned. I loved Fern and enjoyed watching her figure out herself and her strengths. I definitely think this was a well-deserved Newbery and one I'll recommend to my daughter.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)