Mónica and Hannah are school kids in the big city. Together, they have formed the Homesick Club, since they are both from far away. Mónica misses the family of hummingbirds that she and her grandmother would feed in her backyard in Bolivia every day. Hannah misses the sunshine and the tiny tortoise that lived near her house in Israel. When a new teacher, Miss Shelby, arrives from Texas, the girls discover that she misses her home, too, especially the huge sky full of stars and a Southern treat known as Hummingbird Cake. The girls ask Miss Shelby to join their club, then Mónica decides she will bring a surprise for show and tell – a surprise that brings Miss Shelby close to tears. Author Libby Martinez addresses a theme that many children can relate to – feeling homesick – especially when home is far away. Rebecca Gibbon’s charming illustrations bring an imaginative, light touch to the story.

What Kind of Book is The Homesick Club

Topics

new experiences feelings and emotions social themes school moving cities rural living kindness grandma missing home and homesickness traditions heritage immigration and emigration

Genres

fiction

Reviews

The Goodfather

5.75

Book Lists That Include This Book

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Books about new experiences

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Books about feelings and emotions

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The Creatives Behind the Book

Author

Libby Martinez

Libby Martinez is an award-winning Latina children’s book author and poet. She is the co-author, with Pat Mora, of I Pledge Allegiance, which was recognized as Best Children’s Picture Book by the Texas Institute of Letters and the International Latino Book Awards. Libby is also the co-author of Bravo, Chico Canta! Bravo!, which was a Junior Library Guild Selection (Spanish edition) and appeared on National Public Radio’s Diverse Summer Reading List for Kids. Libby is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Stanford Law School. She lives in Colorado Springs.

Illustrator

Rebecca Gibbon

Rebecca Gibbon is the illustrator of several picture books, including Elizabeth Leads the Way, which was named an ALA Notable Book among other honors. She lives in England with her husband and two young children.