Ratings5
Average rating3.6
Follow-up to the New York Times Bestselling Raymie Nightingale, from an internationally revered author, twice winner of the Newbery Medal. When Louisiana Elefante's granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn't overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from best friends Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana's life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of the small Georgia town in which they find themselves - including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder - she starts to worry that she is destined only for goodbyes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana's and Granny's heads. But that is a story for another time.) Called "one of DiCamillo's most singular and arresting creations" by The New York Times Book Review, the heartbreakingly irresistible Louisiana Elefante was introduced to readers in Raymie Nightingale - and now, with humour and tenderness, Kate DiCamillo returns to tell her story. Book Features: The eighth major novel from America's most beloved storyteller, twice winner of the Newbery Medal and former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Kate DiCamillo revisits the world of Raymie Nightingale with the story of Louisiana Elefante, whom the New York Times Book Review called "one of DiCamillo's most singular and arresting creations" who "delights on every page". The Tale of Despereaux won the Newbery Medal and was made into a major motion picture. Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures won the Newbery Medal and was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.
Featured Series
3 primary booksThree Rancheros is a 3-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2016 with contributions by Kate DiCamillo.
Reviews with the most likes.
Louisiana Elefante was introduced to readers in Raymie Nightingale. Although this book can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend you start with Raymie's story. This book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions as you journey along with Louisiana. She's thrown into some odd situations that she handles with strength, grit and grace. She meets interesting characters along the way, all while figuring out some of life's challenges. This book deals with unusual friendships, wisdom beyond years and less than perfect circumstances. Life is not a fairytale and neither is Louisana's Way Home.
More in depth review at : http://coastandanchor.com/kate-dicamillo-louisiana-rosie/
I read these out of order, but I don't think it mattered that much in the end. Honestly, I can see why kids are so obsessed with these poor characters who get thrown into dangerous (actually life-threatening!) situations and, by sheer force of having a good attitude meet some characters who get them out of trouble. As an adult, I can't help but cringe. Children being abandoned in motels! Children running away and then living with strangers! But I understand why a child would love it because I found myself cheering them on. Go, Louisiana, you can do it! Sing yourself into a new home (at the same time I'm thinking can someone please get this kid's lungs checked?)
If I step back and say, hey, this isn't any more dangerous than two kids running away and living in a museum, I get it. I loved characters like that when I was little. My Side of the Mountain? Yes, please.
Anyone else wish they could meet Raymie, Lousiana, and Beverly (especially Beverly- she's my favorite) as adults? I hope they turned out okay after all of this happened to them.
Books
7 booksIf you enjoyed this book, then our algorithm says you may also enjoy these.