I read this book ages ago, when I was a teenager. Now, I have decided to reread it.

One of the reasons for this is that I didn't realize there was a sequel when I was younger, and I really wanted to read the whole series. So, I needed a bit of a refresher with the first one.

This book has definitely held up over the years. However, with the exception of all the paper maps and payphones, of course. Ha!

The story is about Dicey and her three siblings. One day, they are left in a car at a shopping mall by their mother. And this is their journey towards trying to find a home and a family.

Dicey is the oldest of her siblings, so she takes charge. And she takes her job very seriously. These kids are incredibly resourceful. Somehow, they manage to forage for food and earn money when they need it.

This was a very engaging story about four resilient kids who depend on each other and have each other's backs. It was truly a great read.

2.5 ⭐️

Perhaps an unpopular opinion - I must admit that I didn't really have a great liking for this book initially. The beginning was extremely repetitive. It was just a continuous cycle of the kids walking, eating, running out of money, and doing something for work, and so on. I simply couldn't establish a connection with Dicey.

However, I do believe that she is a very resourceful girl. She showed great courage and stepped up when the situation demanded it.

I am glad that I persevered and finished the book though. Because, to my surprise, the ending managed to redeem at least a little bit of the overall experience. It brought a glimmer of hope and a sense of resolution that made me think twice about my initial negative impression.

This is Book 3 in my book nostalgia project.

I vividly recall reading this book during my childhood. At that time, I was simply amazed by its rather peculiar story. It was like a magical world that opened up before my eyes, filled with strange and wonderful characters and events.

However, when I revisited this book as an adult, my perception of it completely changed. I now have a much deeper appreciation for its profound themes. The themes of resilience and family are explored in such a touching and thought-provoking way. It makes me realize how important these two elements are in our lives.

The descriptive writing in the book is truly outstanding. It paints such vivid imagery that I felt as if I was actually a part of the story. I could see the characters, feel their emotions, and experience their adventures along with them.

Overall, I would rate this book 5 stars without hesitation. It is a literary gem that has stood the test of time and continues to touch the hearts of readers of all ages.

Great thought-provoking story!

The character development in this story was truly excellent. It was one of the best I've ever read in a book. The author did a remarkable job of creating complex and multi-dimensional characters that felt real and relatable.

Each character had their own unique personality, motives, and flaws, which made them all the more interesting to follow. As the story progressed, we got to see the characters grow and change in response to the events and challenges they faced.

The thought-provoking nature of the story also added another layer of depth. It made me stop and think about various aspects of life, such as love, friendship, and the meaning of happiness.

Overall, this was an outstanding story that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good read. It had everything - great characters, a captivating plot, and a thought-provoking message.

ooga booga

1✨
They could have done soooo much with this book, but unfortunately, they didn't.

It's truly a disappointment. If you're someone who desires a book with absolutely no plot whatsoever, then this might just be the perfect book for you.

The characters within this book were, for the most part, pretty dull and uninteresting. There were only a couple of them who stood out slightly, but you only get to see them once.

It's a shame because with a bit more effort and creativity, this book could have been so much better. The potential was there, but it seems to have been completely missed.

Overall, it's not a book that I would highly recommend. There are so many other great books out there with engaging plots and dynamic characters that you would be much better off reading.

This remarkable book has the power to draw you deep into the complex and precarious lives of four children.

It begins with a moment of tragedy that shatters their world and sets them on a path filled with challenges.

From there, they embark on a journey of grueling determination, facing numerous obstacles along the way.

As the story progresses, you become fully invested in their lives, sharing in their joys and sorrows.

The end of the book is a real cliffhanger, leaving you eager to turn the page and discover what awaits these four children.

Overall, this book is an absolute must-read. It is so good that it will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Whether you are a fan of adventure, drama, or simply a great story, this book has something for everyone.

So, don't hesitate. Pick up a copy today and prepare to be transported into a world of excitement and emotion.

You won't be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this one. It was such a great experience that left me with a sense of satisfaction.

Moreover, I'm extremely excited to find out that it's a series. The thought of there being more installments to come makes me look forward to it even more.

I can't wait to see what adventures and stories lie ahead in this series. It's like opening a door to a whole new world of possibilities.

I'm sure that each part of the series will bring something unique and captivating, just like this first one did.

I'll be eagerly anticipating the release of the next installment, ready to immerse myself in this wonderful series once again.

Another perfect companion for a whole day of train chaos.

These kids, without a doubt, had it even worse. They were tramping through the country, facing various challenges along the way.

But as the day wore on, I found myself growing very fond of them. Their innocence and enthusiasm in the face of such chaos were truly endearing.

Despite the difficulties, they remained resilient and full of life. Their presence brought a certain charm and warmth to the otherwise chaotic situation.

I couldn't help but be impressed by their ability to adapt and make the most of their journey.

As the train continued on its way, I knew that these kids would stay in my memories as a wonderful part of this crazy day.

They were a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there can be moments of beauty and connection.

And for that, I was truly grateful.

I think this is a remarkable book that presents a truly engaging story.

It does an excellent job of elucidating various aspects, and the narrative is indeed great. However, it should be noted that the author seems to have paid relatively less attention to grammar rules.

In this book, there is a family consisting of a mom and three kids. At the beginning, their mother abandons them, leaving them in a difficult situation. They then have to embark on a journey to find the only family they have left, their aunt who lives far away.

They have no car, almost no money, and lack food and water. They are forced to walk to their aunt's place. During their arduous journey, they encounter many people, have to fish for food, and sometimes go without eating at all. They constantly have to make the right decisions to avoid losing everything.

Once they reach their aunt's house, they discover that they are not wanted there. But they also learn that they have a grandma with whom they can go and live. In the end, they manage to reach their grandma's, start going to school, and even Mrs. Tillerman has a change of heart. She realizes how much she cares for the children and agrees to offer them a permanent home.

This book has a captivating story that is very intriguing, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat, never knowing what would happen next. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a penchant for coming-of-age stories and realistic fiction young adult novels.

I read this book for my English book report. I was on the hunt for a great book to base my report on. As I perused the bookshelf, I read the back of a particular book (the summary, to be precise). My heart immediately went out to the children described within. It almost brought tears to my eyes, and without hesitation, I chose this book. Indeed, at certain points, I did start crying (albeit lightly). This is truly a wonderful book, and it does have a happy ending. I'm eagerly looking forward to starting the second book soon. I just can't wait. Here is my essay for you to see:

*SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS*

In "The Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt, four siblings find themselves abandoned by their mother, who succumbs to the constant stress of being a single parent. Dicey, the eldest and most authoritative of the Tillerman children, is determined to keep the family together at all costs. Fearing that the police will separate them into different foster homes, she decides not to call for help. Their only option is to make their way to their Aunt Cilla's house. Believing their mother might be there, the children embark on a long and arduous journey, walking from Massachusetts to Connecticut. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, having to sleep outside, work for money, and rely on their survival skills. However, they also encounter kind souls who offer them assistance.

Stewart, a college student they meet in New Haven, drives them to Bridgeport and drops them off in front of Aunt Cilla's house. The children thank him and then nervously climb the front concrete steps to knock on the door. When there is no response, they sit down on the steps, waiting for their aunt to return. They search the streets, filled with people coming home from a tiring day at work. All the children, except Dicey, believe their mother has come to Aunt Cilla's house and are eager to see her again. But Dicey knows the truth. "I think Momma got so worried about so many things, about money and us, about what she could do to take care of us, about not being able to do anything to make things better…that she just quit," she says (139).

Aunt Cilla had always sent the children Christmas cards, but they have no idea what she looks like. They don't know if she will be willing to take them in and care for them. In Dicey's mind, this is their last hope. They have nowhere else to go, and if their aunt rejects them, they will be forced to live on the streets until they grow up. This is a crucial scene in the book, as it determines the Tillermans' future. The children try to comfort each other, reassuring themselves that everything will be okay. The younger ones are confused and in need of a sense of security. Although Dicey is still a child herself, she is the only one who can protect them.

The children later discover that Aunt Cilla passed away earlier that year, and her daughter is living alone in the house. Realizing this is not the right place for them, they find out where their grandmother lives and go to see her. At first, their grandmother is hesitant to take them in, but eventually, she decides that she truly wants them to live with her.

I would highly recommend this book to a friend. It explores many complex emotions, such as dedication, love, and unwavering willpower. It teaches a valuable lesson: as long as you are resolute, you can overcome any difficulties that come your way.

"Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt was a book that had its share of highs and lows for me. To be honest, it was mainly lows.

Before I even began reading, the book piqued my interest. The idea of young kids being abandoned and having to fend for themselves seemed fresh and unique, with countless possibilities for an unexpected outcome.

However, as I started the book, it took a downward turn. The beginning was strong, giving a glimpse of the Tillerman children's mother. But then, the story dragged as the kids wandered through dusty streets, earning and spending money to survive. The detailed descriptions of scenery made me doze off at times.

My curiosity was briefly rekindled when they were picked up by Windy and Stuart. But then, James's decision to steal money from them was a letdown, followed by a philosophical dialogue and forgiveness.

When the kids arrived at what they thought was Aunt Cilla's house, they discovered it wasn't as they expected. The characters' assigned positions in the house felt a bit generic. And then, they ran off again.

I was delighted when they found their grandmother, as I thought she was a well-developed and unique character. In the end, I was happy with the decision to leave the children in her care.

This book does send a powerful message about loving family and appreciating home. But it just didn't have the elements I look for in a book. It was hard to follow at times, and I had trouble remembering what happened in previous chapters. Overall, "Homecoming" is not a book I would read in my free time or recommend to a friend.

Wholesome, heartwarming and loveable characters you will root for.

These are the kind of characters that have the power to touch our hearts and make us feel good. They are the ones we cheer for as they face challenges and overcome obstacles.

Whether it's a brave hero, a kind-hearted sidekick, or a determined underdog, these characters have a special charm that draws us in.

We become invested in their stories, hoping for the best and feeling their joys and sorrows as if they were our own.

They remind us of the good in the world and give us hope in the face of adversity.

With their positive attitudes and unwavering spirit, these characters inspire us to be better and to never give up on our dreams.

So the next time you encounter a story with these types of characters, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

You're sure to be in for a treat.