Worth the Trip

The Newberry Medal Honor Book "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck is the story of a young girl and boy from Chicago at the time of the Depression who visit their unique grandmother who lives in a small town somewhere near St Louis. The novel is told in short stories--each story an incident that occurred during their annual stay. Grandmother lives in a backwards town with no indoor plumbing and few amenities. The story, refreshingly told from the boy's point of view shows how the children's attitude about their annual visit gradually changed from one of dread to much anticipation. You never knew just what might happen at Grandma's house. You might have the chance to spend a morning fishing from the town sheriff's boat--which Grandma conveniently stole. Or you might have a funeral in the parlor and see a dead body from a unique perspective. Whatever the tale, the stories are sure to appeal to even the most reluctant reader reader.
This is the perfect story, broken into manageable chapters, to read aloud to your own child or to a classroom of children. As a reading specialist, I am always searching for books that would appeal to children and adults alike. In "A Long Way from Chicago," Richard Peck has succeeded. It is well worth the time for a most enjoyable read.