From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought

I will hand this book to students who have read HOW TO STEAL A DOG (and/or HOLD FAST). Jennifer Jacobson doesn't shy away from all the tough situations that arise when Ari and her brother Gage leave their guardian's home and try to make it on their own.
This book grabbed me and wouldn't let me put it down. It is beautifully crafted with several plot lines that weave together without ever feeling forced. I especially like the role Louisa May Alcott and LITTLE WOMEN plays. ...more
This book grabbed me and wouldn't let me put it down. It is beautifully crafted with several plot lines that weave together without ever feeling forced. I especially like the role Louisa May Alcott and LITTLE WOMEN plays. ...more

I was pulled into this book and thankful I had the time to not put it down. I agree with ML it had similarities to How to Steal a Dog. The big brother watching and caring for his younger sister was inspiring and knowing he was doing the best he could. This book will stay with me as I continue to think about similar children in today's world. I wonder if our eyes are open wide enough as educators?
...more

What a powerful book. While Ari is a little bit of a Pollyanna, she is not unrealistic; actually, her personality reminds me of several students I've had. What is also painfully true-to-life is Ari's homelessness, and that's what makes this novel incredibly important. The weight of this message doesn't reduce the book to Very Special Episode territory; Jacobson powerfully and honestly portrays life as a twenty-first century homeless girl. I have to say, though, that it was an oversight on the pu
...more

After finishing this book the story lingers with you. It seeps into your bones. The story of Ari and her brother Gage is heartbreaking, haunting and triumphant. I appreciate that some of the Adults in her life realized that something was wrong and tried to help, that friends gave of their space so they could be someplace safe and warm but it made reflect on homeless children who don't have that support. I want to go and find and help homeless children. I gave the book 4 stats because while it ha
...more

I loved this book as much as I loved her other, Small as an Elephant. Beautiful story that focuses on unique family units as well as homelessness.

Feb 18, 2015
Monica Edinger
added it

Ari is a fifth grade orphan. Her brother comes to her guardian's house to take her to live with him. But he's actually homeless. Ari struggles with real life issues such as being hungry, having no clean clothes, and no place to do her homework. I wonder why most of Ari's teachers missed the clues that something was wrong. Some people think that this book is a Newbery 2016 contender. I disagree.
...more

Nov 16, 2014
Sara
marked it as to-read

Dec 28, 2014
Wendy Garland
marked it as to-read

Feb 04, 2015
Rachel
marked it as to-read

Feb 09, 2015
Elisabeth
marked it as to-read

Mar 01, 2015
Anamaria
added it

Mar 29, 2015
Kristin McIlhagga
marked it as to-read



Apr 04, 2015
Marisa
marked it as to-read

Apr 26, 2015
Maggi Rohde
marked it as to-read

Jun 29, 2015
J.j.
marked it as to-read

Oct 08, 2015
Kris Springer
marked it as to-read

Feb 20, 2016
Maria
marked it as to-read