Independent Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Awards
Iowa Children's Choice Award (Nominee – 2019)
Keystone to Reading Book Award (Nominee – Secondary Award, Middle School Level – 2016)
Mark Twain Readers Award (Winner – 2017)
William Allen White Children's Book Award (Winner – Grades 6-8 – 2017)

This is a simple, straightforward middle grade book about Poppy, whose only family is her grandmother; a grandmother who has a stroke and can no longer care for Poppy - at least temporarily. But when Poppy witnesses a heinous crime, for her own safety she is taken in by a police detective and his mother until the criminal is caught. The girl finds some solace with a mildly rebellious new friend, and a dog at an animal shelter. (The cover of the book would lead one to believe the dog is a major part of the story - but he's really just an interesting side-tale, with minimal relevance to the main plot.) Though the book had a simple plot, Poppy was a well drawn character I cared about, and I did shed a few tears towards the end of the book. ( )

Sad, suspenseful, but at a level appropriate for young readers. Does contain a couple deaths, one is a murder that happens off the page. ( )

A Million Ways Home
Poppy Parker ends up in a children’s home after her Grandma and guardian has a stroke, is in the hospital, then a nursing home. While she is going to see her, Poppy witnesses a crime. The police officer protects her by placing her at his Mom’s house. While she is longing for her Grandma and the life they had, she is making new friends, and planning to spring Grandma from the home. Things don’t go the way she had hoped, but the criminal is caught in a nail-biting scene. Will she be OK even if her life is different than she thought? This is a sweet story with laughs and a few tears.
Literary Merit: Very Good
Characterization: Very Good
Audience: Upper Elementary, Junior High
Recommended: Yes ( )