Book Review: Louisiana's Way Home

Louisiana's Way Home (second stand-alone novel in Kate DiCamillo's recent trio), tells a story of loss, identity, and healing. Again, I didn't feel as pulled in by this tale as earlier DiCamillo books, but it was still a worthwhile investment of time. I imagine there are many children who will benefit from reading this tale (especially adopted individuals or ones who have lost family).

Louisiana Elefante and her granny take off in the middle of the night because Granny says "the day of reckoning has arrived." All Louisiana wants to do is get back to her friends, Raymie and Beverly, in Florida, but Granny is driving (for the moment) and Louisiana is just a kid at the mercy of her elders. When they arrive in Georgia, Granny can drive no more because she is reeling in pain from her rotten teeth. Louisiana takes the wheel and delivers her safely to a dentist who pulls all Granny's teeth. While laid low, Granny pawns Louisiana out to "sing for their supper." It is only after Granny disappears that Louisiana realizes her entire existence has been founded on a lie.

The themes are excellent. I loved Louisiana's quest to discover who she really is and appreciated the minister's message about forgiveness and her power to determine who she wants to be in this world. What truth in the image of a pastor providing the "magic" of "healing words" and what wisdom in accepting love where it is offered! Our hearts lead us to the home where we belong. Love is not determined by birth, but rather by sacrifice and commitment.

Still, I struggled with a few minor things. Unlike the other two books in the trio, my library shelved this one in the children's section. I worried about children following some examples in the tale: children driving illegally, stealing from vending machines, and skipping school, all without consequence. The school issue is at least addressed by the mother, who admonishes her son that he is shutting doors by skipping and we must always try to keep open all our doors and opportunities. Plus, many of the characters were despicable: the motel owner, the organist - even Granny's actions left me disgruntled.

Thankfully, as in a world full of both bad and good people, the story is peppered with kind-hearted, generous individuals as well: the walrus-like minister who listens well, the Grandpap who offers his ice-cream, the cake-baking mother who takes Louisiana under her wing. Louisiana's story holds value and will encourage children in their quest to determine who they wish to be. Children who wrestle with identity issues or struggle with feelings of being cursed will come away from this tale inspired and uplifted. Once again, Kate DiCamillo has provided valuable healing words.