5.0 out of 5 stars
funny, sad, but hopeful, July 30 2010
This review is from: Home Free (Paperback)
Funny, nostalgic, and sad but hopeful, this book made us explore a range of emotions. My 9-year-old daughter loved it. Home Free allowed us to talk about topics perfect for her age group: friendships, loss of a loved one, and pursuing one's dream.
Leanne Mets (Lee) is an 11-year-old spunky, outspoken but naïve girl who wants to follow her dream of becoming a writer. It's summertime in the 1960s, school is out, and a girl moves next door to her family. She is an orphan and Lee wants her to be a kindred spirit just like in Anne of Green Gables, her all-time favourite story. But it is also the summer that changes everything for Lee. A summer that teaches Lee what it means to be a true friend, not to take her parents for granted, and to use her gift of writing.
Written in the first person, Lee's voice is compelling. We are right inside her head and the author captures her young voice so well, I could see why my daughter was eagerly drinking it all in. I loved Lee's voice too, and I certainly related to her because it brought back memories of my childhood when I read voraciously and dreamed of becoming a writer.
The topic of sexuality comes up subtly and is dealt with so well that it speaks volumes not only of the author's finesse in handling such a topic but of the era in which it takes place. This book is a great mother and daughter summer read, and I highly recommend it for the book-loving girl in your life.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Sweet, July 23 2010
This review is from: Home Free (Paperback)
In Home Free, Leeanna Mets shares the story of one memorable summer in the 60's when: she met a kindred spirit, decided to follow her dreams, and her whole world was changed in an instant.
Even though she's only 11, Lee knows that she wants to be a writer. Unfortunately, her mother thinks good girls should grow up to be nurses or teachers.
As an avid reader whose favourite book is Anne of Green Gables, Lee has developed a romanticized idea of what life would be like as an orphan. But when Cassandra moves in next door, Lee learns that real life isn't like her books.
Told in Lee's voice, Home Free focuses on that time when something as simple as putting on a play with your friends could bring you immense joy. But no matter what age you are, when tragedy strikes your world comes crashing down, and yet somehow life must go on. This sweet story will touch young readers - especially girls who have struggled to fit in. Older readers will be reminded of childhood friends and summers filled with possibilities.
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