Louisiana Elefante is a character from DiCamillo’s Raymie Nightingale, a novel I haven’t read yet. But this is Louisiana’s story, beginning as her grandmother whisks her away from her home, pets, and friends, heading toward an unknown future. It works exceptionally well as a stand-alone novel, although now I’m very motivated to read Raymie’s tale. Louisiana’s life has been filled with fantastical stories about her circus performing family and the whims of her very unusual grandmother, and this gives this novel a whimsical, fairy-tale quality even as bad things begin to happen.

Louisiana herself is a staunch character, keeping her chin up and always moving forward. She finds kindness in a Lost Boy-esque character, who literally feeds her from a vending machine, but her path is also filled with apathetic grown-ups and big questions about her past and identity. It could have easily veered into dark middle grade novel territory, but that whimsical quality kept it afloat, and it’s that whimsy that lingered with me, as I write this review a week after finishing the book.

I really enjoyed this novel, and recommend it to anyone interested in middle grade books.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc.

Who isn’t excited to see a new Kate DiCamillo book come out?? Thanks to netGalley for this ARC, I couldn’t wait to read it. The main character has a great voice (at first I found the writing voice choppy but it does suit the character with time) and the characters she encounters feel simple, but still worth caring for. This is a rather short melancholy text, but the sweetness is there too. I think this would make a great pick for book groups (it’s manageable length with a compelling story are a solid combo), or as a class read aloud. I could see a class getting entrenched in her journey and all sorts of projects spinning off of this book, from character analysis, to discussions about class/SES, or a final project asking kids what they would do and why if they were in the main chavearer’s shoes.. etc. The length + punch of this one is a strong combination for the middle grade world!

Louisiana's Way Home is a wonderful story that will stay in your heart for a long time. Kate DiCamillo has a way with characters. Her characters are unforgettable and somehow worm their way into the heart of the reader as friends. Cannot wait to purchase this one.

So thankful for this advanced copy through Netgalley. The writing in this book is just.. perfect. I enjoyed this as much as any children's book I have read in the past few years. DiCamillo brilliantly weaves through sadness, humor, quirkiness, and humanity. I so appreciate the effort she must have taken to craft this novel so that it was just right. I highlighted many, many phrases that were either sharply humorous or meaningful-or both.

If you loved Raymie Nightingale and even if you didn't read it, Louisiana is a stand alone with a great voice. You will giggle, cry and cheer. I loved Louisiana and cannot wait to share her with my students!

Louisiana Elefante is a character that will stay with me all of my days (I am even talking like her now). This book made me laugh and cry and generally just want to read 10 more stories about Louisiana and her adventures. The characters in this book or so vivid and make your heart burst with the kindness of people. The scene with Grandpa Burke Allen and the ice cream made me cry and it instantly became a classic scene to share with my students. Thank you so much Netgalley and Candlewick Press.

I enjoyed this more than I did Raymie Nigthingale and I liked Louisiana’s voice telling the story. It's an interesting story with ups and downs and a satisfying ending. But, I was left feeling disappointed because the story didn’t have the depth of some of my DiCamillo favorites like Winn-Dixie or Tiger Rising.

First off, I LOVED Raymie Nightingale (DiCamillo 2016) and Louisiana was my favorite character in the book. I was thrilled to get to spend more time with her in this book. So my thoughts are probably a bit skewed. Louisiana is a character like no other. She has a unique way of expressing herself and her voice is very strong throughout the book. The way she views the world is very different to say the least. She is both brazen and innocent at the same time. Although the story seems a bit far-fetched, it all just seems very "Louisiana" to me. Nothing surprised me (well almost nothing). I was not surprised when Granny needed her teeth out or when 12 year-old Louisiana drove the car, or when they landed in a motel room with no money to pay. In true DiCamillo style, readers will meet and get to know new and interesting characters. There are two cranky women who are always in various stages of curling their hair, three characters named Burke, and a nurturing, cake-baking mother.
Of course Granny is an intriguing character in her own right. She is grumpy, non-nonsense, cunning and fiercely protective. I think she could have her own story explained in a book some time.
The ending is surprising and satisfying and just seems "right". Readers will love Louisiana with her swampy lungs, fainting spells, beautiful singing voice and her adorably woeful outlook.
I would recommend this book for grades 4-6.

First of all, Kate DiCamillo always does such smart things as a writer. I love reading her with 3 different hats on: one as a reader myself, one as a reading teacher, and one as a writing teacher.

I love Kate DiCamillo's stories so much. I love her characters- they squeeze my heart. Louisiana Elefante, I'm so glad I met you and that you took me on this journey with you.

My favorite line in the story is Granny's: "And perhaps what matters when all is said and done is not who puts us down but who picks us up."

I'm grateful for all the folks who came into your life and picked you up. Burke Allen and Burke Allen and Burke Allen, Betty Allen, Clarence the crow, and Reverend Obertask. They were quirky and kind and simple without being simplistic. They are like my friends, so I can relate.

The references to Pinocchio make me want to reread that classic story, too...

This is my favorite of Kate’s most recent novels. I enjoyed catching up with Louisiana and getting to know her better. It flows nicely and tells a heartbreaking story in a way that children will connect with it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early version of the story.

Another amazing Kate DiCamillo story that will delight my middle grade readers.
There’s just enough magic mixed with the goodness of humanity.

This was a lovely story! I absolutely loved the voice of Louisiana! Such a spunky likeable character. I devoured this book in one sitting. Would make a great read aloud for my third graders, or a book for them to read at the end of the year. I will definitely be buying the hard copy edition. Louisiana’s sassiness reminds me of Goonie Bird Greene, Junie B. Jones and Marty McGuire.

Kate DiCamillo makes you feel emotions that you aren't used to feeling while reading a children's book and that makes her writing more powerful and impactful. Her vivid imagery allows you to feel pain, sadness, joy and contentment within the pages and scenes of the story.
Louisiana had a story to tell from the time we met her in Raymie Nightingale and this book did not disappoint. Louisiana has had her fair share of troubles in her short little life and it seems to only get worse for her now. The thing about challenges and trials is that they help you figure out who you are and what you believe in. Friendships old and new help her realize what she really wants in life and how to get there.
A truly beautiful story that will certainly find itself a home on my bookshelves at home and school.

Kate DiCamillo is a favorite author of mine. I like that she doesn’t present life as an unattainable perfect ideal. Louisiana’s Way Home is another example of a bittersweet tale filled with characters that are stronger and more resourceful than they realize. Louisiana immediately has you rooting for her but it is her own ability to improvise and adapt that brings about an ending that is somewhat predictable, but perfect. Filled with quirky and caring people, Louisiana’s story will reaffirm you faith in the kindness of strangers.

Oh, Louisiana, I'm so happy to meet you. Your unique voice and wisdom beyond your years kept me engrossed in your adventures. My heart ached for you, I was genuinely worried about you, I rooted for you. Thank you, Kate DiCamillo for introducing me to her.

Getting pulled out of bed in the middle of the night and being forced to leave behind nearly everything you love would be difficult for anyone, let alone a child. DiCamillo gives Louisiana strength and grace, which I appreciate so much. Louisiana deals with her life with bravery and determination. She reads people well, a gift from her grandmother who sweet talks her way into getting what she needs. I was fully invested in this story, not wanting to put it down until I knew how it would go. The underlying themes of self reliance, trust in others, dealing with chaos and abandonment were handled so well. The story resonated with me and I fully believe would resonate with children. Fabulous.

I loved Louisiana’s Way Home. Louisiana’s voice was honest and true. Her story made me pause and think more than once “We all, at some point, have tp decide who we want to be in this world. It is a decision we make for ourselves.” That sums up Louisuana’s character and the whole book for me. Well said, Kat DiCamillo!

DiCamillo has done it again. I fell in love with Louisiana. Great characters. Funny, uplifting, with plenty of heart.

Oooooo this book was everything I want from Kate DiCamillo! Louisiana's voice is spot on, and I was so happy to learn more about her!

Five stars all the way!! Kate DiCamillo's ability to tell a story that is compelling and engaging for both kids and adults continues to blow me away. Readers got to know a little bit about the ever loyal Louisiana Elefante and her eccentric granny in RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE, but it was a true joy to dive into their backstories and see what happened to them next. The story begins with granny Elefante whisking Louisiana away in the middle of the night to flee across the Florida-Georgia state line. Louisiana just wants to go back to her friends and her home but discovers new things about herself, her family and the meaning of the word hope as she meets new friends and foes in a small town in Georgia. Heart, humor, tenderness, sadness - it's all here in this amazing character-driven story. I wanted it to keep going so I could hang out with Louisiana longer.

A BIG Thank You to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for providing me a copy of “Louisiana’s Way Home” by Kate DiCamillo in exchange for my review. This was a sweet and endearing book mainly because of the ‘wily and resilient’ Louisiana.

I love Kate DiCamillo’s whimsical style of writing. She has a beautiful way of highlighting important issues like loss, sorrow and acceptance in a prominent manner for younger audience without making it too serious. In some ways, her books inspire adult readers to contemplate their own issues and how to make the right decisions. In this novel, we see Louisiana come to terms of who she is and who she wants to become. Even though Louisiana faces many obstacles, she is optimistic and focuses on the right solution. She provides a beautiful blend of humor, friendship and adventure in this tale. My favorite hilarious moments were when they go to the dentist, or when she comments on Bernice’s curlers. On a side note, I also learned some new terms like ‘sundering’ and ‘infinitesimally’ from this novel.

The only part that I didn’t enjoy much was how the Granny left Louisiana. The story becomes uncomfortable when Louisiana is alone in the motel. It was discomforting to see these scenes written in a nonchalant manner. It continues this way when she gets lost in the woods in the middle of the night. Moreover, I didn’t like the reason as to why Granny left her behind in the first place. It seemed like a very ridiculous reason to leave behind someone you have loved for many years. Anyway, apart from this scene, I absolutely adored this book!

This story is written from the first person narrative of Louisiana and makes the book feel very personal. All the characters mentioned are adorable and it very hard to dislike any of them (even Bernice and Miss Lulu). They are all distinctive, colorful and memorable in their own manner. The author even makes a creepy creature like a crow seem cute to have for a pet. My favorite character was Burke as I feel anyone would love to have a friend like him around.

Now that we have books on Louisiana and Raymie, can we expect the following book to be about Beverly? I will be definitely reading “Raymie Nightingale” after reading this beautiful novel to see if it is equally good. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Louisiana’s Way Home” and rate it 4 out of 5 stars.