"This is a novel filled with the terrific joys of real life--as well as its disappointments. It is a novel about broken families, about healing families, and about completely new and surprising families. And above all, it is a novel that dares us all to hope." -- Gary Schmidt, Newbery Honor-winning author of Okay for Now "Like the mysterious guitar left at Lou's door, A Song Called Home is the perfect gift to reassure readers that home isn't so much a place as it is a space in our hearts that we make with those we love." -- Jo Knowles, author of Where the Heart Is and See You At Harry's "A Song Called Home is tender, powerful, and deeply true. Zarr's beautiful and precise rendering of family life is transcendent, and in Lu we have an unforgettable main character whose humanity and coming of age is compassionately explored. Over and over again this story made my heart simply soar." -- Corey Ann Haydu, author of Eventown and One Jar of Magic "Sara Zarr's debut novel for middle grade readers is beautiful, honest, and bursting with hope--a powerful story about growing up, weathering change, and creating the family you need.
" -- Kate Messner, author of Chirp and Breakout "A Song Called Home is the kind of middle grade novel I adore: warm and deeply honest with characters so real you could touch them. Lou's struggles with family, friends, and big life changes are relatable, heartbreaking, and vividly drawn--trademarks of Sara Zarr's exquisite writing. This story will stick with me for years to come." -- Brandy Colbert, award-winning author of The Only Black Girls in Town "A tender, honest, and beautifully written story about family, faith, and friendship." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "An exceptional, emotionally honest portrait of a tween navigating a blended family." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Zarr's middle-grade debut about family, friendship, and belonging is heartwarming, uplifting, and wonderfully real. Highly recommended." -- Booklist (starred review) "This coming-of-age novel tackles issues of alcohol dependence, stealing, puberty, divorce, and step-families.
A solid addition to middle grade shelves." -- School Library Journal.