Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
26(26%)
4 stars
39(39%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I absolutely adored this story. It was an exciting adventure that was both heartwarming and challenging.

The characters in the story were full of personality and charm, and I found myself really empathizing with them.

The descriptions of the various areas were vivid and detailed, making me feel as if I was actually there, experiencing everything along with the characters.

It was a truly captivating read that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

I would highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good adventure with a touch of heart and soul.

It's a story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
July 15,2025
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This is an incredibly exciting and deeply heartfelt story. It revolves around a strong girl and her younger siblings who find themselves “on their own” after being apparently abandoned by their mother.

I have always had a great love for tales of kids who are left to fend for themselves. For example, “A Long Way To Go” is one such story that I have enjoyed.

This particular book is especially good as it features a truly compelling main character. The girl shows remarkable strength and determination in the face of such a difficult situation.

Her journey to take care of her younger siblings and find a way to survive is both inspiring and emotional.

The author has done a wonderful job of creating a vivid and engaging world that draws the reader in and makes them care deeply about the characters.

Overall, this is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
July 15,2025
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Homecoming is a book that has had its share of highs and lows when it comes to capturing my attention and curiosity. Overall, my opinion of the book is a bit of a mixed bag. There are times when I really liked it, and other times when I found it rather boring.


Cynthia Voigt's use of details and description in the book is also a mix. Sometimes, these details are essential as they help me to better understand and visualize the story. However, at other times, it feels like they are just there to make the book longer.


At the beginning of the book, I was excited. The idea of four children being abandoned by their mother is quite a hook. As the story progressed through the first few chapters, my attention was held. But as I read further into the middle of the book, I started to lose interest. I thought that their journey had a somewhat pointless goal.


Thankfully, as they met more people along the way, the story started to get a little more interesting. I began to believe that they might actually reach their goal of getting to Aunt Cilla's house safely.


One thing I really liked about the book is how well Cynthia Voigt developed the characters. I could easily imagine Dicey and the other characters standing in front of me, reading the book aloud.


A good twist in the book comes when Dicey, Sammy, James, and Maybeth are introduced to Will. I initially thought that they might stay with Will and his circus and live out their days as circus people. But, of course, that would have made the book a bit too short. Instead, they continued on their journey to find their grandmother.


The grandmother truly made the book worth reading. It felt like that was when the real story began. The Tillermans had finally found a home, but now they had to fight to stay in it.


I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is looking for a literacy-rich read. It has its flaws, but it also has many redeeming qualities.


July 15,2025
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This book was crafted with a particular emphasis on being suitable for the lazy days of summer reading.

To be completely honest, the initial part of the journey seemed to meander along for an eternity. The characters, at the start, felt rather one-dimensional, and the minor conflicts appeared to be repeated over and over again. In fact, I very nearly gave up on it.

However, things took a turn for the better in part 2 of the book. It was as if a switch had been flicked, and suddenly the story-telling came alive. Our characters began to evolve, developing depth and complexity. The plot gained momentum, pulling the reader in and keeping them engaged. And the ending was truly heart-felt, leaving a lasting impression.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying the second half of the book. While I'm not entirely certain if I'll continue with the series, I can say without a doubt that I don't regret revisiting this particular installment. It had its flaws, but in the end, it managed to win me over.
July 15,2025
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I first read this book years ago, and I am delighted to say that I enjoyed it just as much now as I did then.

To be honest, there are some slow parts in this story. It does take a rather long time before the children finally meet their Grandmother. However, it is truly fascinating to witness all the hardships that these children have to endure and the lengths they go to in order to survive.

My absolute favorite parts of the book occur when the children manage to reach their Grandmother's house. It is so much fun to see everything they do to prolong their stay there.

The children had a really rough time after their mother abandoned them in the mall parking lot. Dicey, in particular, had an enormous amount of responsibility thrust upon her at such a young age.

I am extremely glad that I finally got around to re-reading this wonderful book from my childhood. It has brought back so many precious memories and has once again reminded me of the power of a great story.
July 15,2025
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I absolutely adored this book!!!!

I truly look forward to sharing it with my 7th graders next year. The quality and depth of Voight's writing are truly remarkable, and I deeply appreciate how she treats her readers. She is always honest with them, never condescending or making them feel childish.

She also doesn't treat her characters in that way. She firmly believes that a thirteen-year-old can lead a family if thrust into the terrible situation of having to. She has faith that an inventive ten-year-old can make a family's life more comfortable and that a six-year-old can contribute to his household.

She understands that just because you don't think or act like most people doesn't mean you aren't intelligent or worthy, especially if you're only nine. Kids are intelligent and capable, a fact that is often overlooked in today's world.

This book is truly timeless. Yes, there are no payphones nowadays, and having access to the Internet in a public library in today's world would have surely changed this story. But what kid (or adult, for that matter) doesn't渴望 read a book that tells them they are valuable, smart, resourceful, and capable?

This book reminded me of 1 Timothy 4:12. I can't wait to explore the other works by this author!
July 15,2025
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Don't know how this YA classic has bypassed me until now.

I truly loved the strong morals, practical smarts, and survival skills that Dicey possessed. It was fascinating to see how she navigated through various challenges.

Loved that Part I was set in Connecticut with the goal of getting to Bridgeport. LOL, it's quite humorous to think that the first and last time anyone anywhere so desperately wanted to get to Bridgeport.

The Tillerman crew even found themselves at a McDonald's and a beach in "pretty Fairfield." We do have both there!

The descriptions of Maryland in Part II were very vivid. The various encounters they had en route to their grandmother's house in the Maryland section of the book moved the story along well.

However, the aspect of the story that gave me the most pause was the grandmother's immediate disdain and rudeness toward Maybeth, which was immediately reversed after she hurt her arm.

Anyway, it's a very satisfying piece of fiction, and I have been recommending it to other reader friends who appreciate a strong female character like Dicey. It's a story that not only entertains but also teaches valuable lessons about family, perseverance, and growing up.
July 15,2025
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The four Tillerman children, with the youngest being six and the oldest, Dicey (the protagonist), just thirteen, are abandoned in a mall parking lot by their mentally ill mother.

Left in charge and filled with uncertainty, Dicey bravely leads her family across Connecticut in search of a great-aunt's place. They walk, hitch rides, and work their way there. However, upon arrival, they discover that the great-aunt is dead, and they still haven't found a proper home.

This is a truly powerful (and rather long, consisting of 400 pages) young adult book. It is the first in a five-book series known as the Tillerman cycle (the immediate sequel even won the Newbery). While I was a bit skeptical about some of the events. For example, I highly doubt that four children could walk and camp alone with just the clothes on their backs across an entire state without attracting the attention of the police or some curious person. Also, Dicey's almost superhuman strength of will is difficult to believe. Nevertheless, it remains a powerful and harrowing tale. The Tillermans' difficult situation eventually reaches a truly moving conclusion. Voigt is truly talented at making her characters sympathetic and engaging.

Overall, despite its flaws, this book is a must-read for young adult readers who enjoy stories of survival, family, and determination.
July 15,2025
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Ever since I first read this book almost 20 years ago, it has been one of my absolute favorite books of all time. In fact, it might even be the only one. There are several aspects that I can specifically point out. First, there's the determined main character, Dicey Tillerman. Her unwavering spirit in the face of challenges is truly inspiring. Then, there's the superstrong bond between the siblings. Their love and support for each other throughout the story is heartwarming. The long journey they undertake is also a significant part of the book. It adds an element of adventure and shows their growth and perseverance. Additionally, the family drama keeps the story engaging and full of emotion.


There are so many books to choose from, and that's why I don't usually re-read a book. However, this one is a definite exception. I just finished reading it again, and I already have the urge to start it over instead of picking up a new one. This says a lot about the power and charm of this book. There are countless hidden gems within its pages, both in the lines and between them, that I can't quite put into words. But they manage to work their way into my heart and give me the true feeling of a "homecoming". It's a book that I will always cherish and continue to revisit time and time again.

July 15,2025
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I could see why it has received such raving reviews. However, when I read it, I wasn't able to fully connect with the story.

It has been sitting and waiting for me to review it for a few days, but unfortunately, I can't remember a lot from it.

Perhaps it was the wrong time to have read it, as I was in a rather down mood when I did so.

Maybe I'll pick it up again at a later time. Nevertheless, I think I'll continue with the series if I can find the rest soon enough.

I'm still curious to see where the story goes and what other adventures the characters will have.

Even though my initial experience wasn't as great as I had hoped, I'm willing to give it another chance and see if I can have a better connection with it the next time around.
July 15,2025
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So thoughtfully written.

It is painfully thoughtful. The world we live in is highly realistic.

There are so many things happening all the time.

It seems as if the world is constantly filled with various events and situations.

These things can be overwhelming and they drain you of your energy.

They start to drag on, making you feel tired and perhaps even a bit defeated.

Sometimes, it feels like there is no escape from the reality of it all.

But despite all this, we still have to keep going.

We have to find a way to cope with the busyness and the challenges that come our way.

Maybe it's through taking breaks, finding hobbies, or simply surrounding ourselves with positive people.

Whatever it is, we must remember to take care of ourselves in this highly realistic and often draining world.

July 15,2025
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Ah....Homecoming. This is truly one of the few books that I read during my junior high years and still have a deep love for, often picking it up to read from time to time.

The book unfolds the story of Dicey, a young and courageous teen, along with her three siblings. Their mother, burdened by poverty and mental illness, abandons them in her old, beat-up car in the mall parking lot. After waiting patiently for her to return and finally realizing that she won't, Dicey takes on the responsibility. With the meager amount of money they possess, they make the decision to embark on a journey to seek out some relatives up north. Dicey leads her family north, walking for most of the way, sleeping and camping in random places. I don't wish to spoil the remainder of the book, but Dicey ultimately meets up with some family members, and the outcome is far from what she had anticipated.

Dicey is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite heroines. I vividly remember looking up to her as I devoured this book as a pre-teen. She was incredibly determined, astonishingly strong, and had very little fear. Each day, she simply got up and continued moving forward, even though they had no idea where their next meal would originate from, even though they were constantly hungry and tired. Dicey had an unwavering faith that she would eventually find a home for herself and her siblings and was completely set on keeping the four of them united. She was extremely protective of her brothers and sisters. Growing up, I aspired to be as strong as she was.

Even though this book is technically classified as a children's/YA novel, it is indeed a great read for adults as well. It offers valuable lessons and insights that can resonate with readers of all ages.

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