At Home in a Faraway Place

By Lynne Rae Perkins

A young traveler navigates language barriers and discovers friendship in a foreign land.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 84 ratings

128 pages· 8,847 words· Est. 1 hour read

$24.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Lissie embarks on a journey to Guatemala with her dad and grandmother, stepping into a world where language barriers and cultural mysteries abound. As she navigates this vibrant landscape, Lissie discovers the power of friendship and the thrill of new experiences. With each encounter, from delicious foods to captivating stories, she learns to embrace the unknown. Amidst memorable discoveries and near disasters, Lissie forms a lasting bond with a new friend, Flory, hoping their paths will cross again. Dive into a tale of exploration and the transformative power of travel.

From the publisher

From Newbery Medal winner Lynne Rae Perkins, this short novel for younger middle grade readers explores themes of empathy, friendship, discovery, language, and the life-changing epiphanies of travel. Features black-and-white illustrations, including full spreads, comic panels, and vignettes throughout.Lissie, her dad, and her grandmother travel “to a faraway place, in a different part of the world” in this short illustrated novel. Their destination is Guatemala, where Raúl–Dad’s friend from high school–and his family live. Lissie doesn’t know how to speak Spanish, and initially the world is cloaked in mystery. But Lissie is a fearless explorer, both of language and new places, and soon she is embracing the sights and sounds, the delicious foods, the family stories and history, and the people she encounters. There are memorable discoveries and almost disasters, but mostly there are new friends–including a forever friend named Flory–who Lissie hopes she will meet again one day. A gorgeous book about the joys and rewards of opening yourself up to new experiences. Illustrated in black and white throughout by the author.

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