Something Like Home

A heartfelt and moving novel in verse for readers 9+.

who wants a temporary place
to act like a forever one?
Especially when the social services people keep telling you
over and over and over that place
is "safer" than your parents
is a "good" solution
is someone you're "extremely lucky"
to have offered you a home.

Laura Rodriguez has a plan: No matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. Can you blame her? It's tough to make friends as the new kid at school. And while staying at her aunt's house is okay, it just isn't the same.

But that's all going to change. Because when Laura finds a puppy, it seems like fate. If she can train the puppy to become a therapy dog, then maybe she'll be allowed to visit her parents. Maybe the dog will help them get better, and things will finally go back to the way they should.

After all, how do you explain to others that you're technically a foster kid, even when you live with your aunt? Most of all . . . how do you explain that you're not where you belong, and you just want to go home?

From the winner of the Newbery Honor Award.

Arango's writing is a joy to read, combining strong storytelling, compelling characters, and rich language. Beautifully executed. Kirkus
In moving, approachable verse, Arango thoughtfully portrays Laura's guilt. Publishers Weekly
So much affirmation, exploration, and positivity for those in similar situations are packed beautifully into these verses. School Library Journal
Full of Arango's signature hearttugging verse, a character you just want to hug, and threads of friendship, family, and belonging, Arango's follow-up to her Newbery Honor debut is a triumph. Booklist
Exquisitely written. . . destined to become a classic. -- Holly Goldberg Sloan New York Time
This book will touch your heart. -- Barbara O’Connor, bestselling author of Wish New York Times

Andrea Beatriz Arango is the Newbery Honor Award-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and is a former public school teacher with almost a decade of teaching experience. Andrea now writes the types of children's books she wishes students had more access to. She balances her life in Virginia with trips home to see her family and eat lots of tostones de pana. When she's not busy writing, you can find her enjoying nature in the nearest forest or body of water.

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