Thank you Walker Books for this book in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:

When Louisiana Elefante’s granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn’t overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from her best friends, Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana’s life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of a small Georgia town — including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister, and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder — she starts to worry that she is destined only for good-byes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana’s and Granny’s heads. But that is a story for another time.)

Review:

I have to admit though this story had the makings of greatness I just wasn’t that enthralled which is disappointing, since I am a sucker for middle grade books and usually find myself in love with them all.

Our book in centred around Louisiana Elefante who leaves on a journey in the middle of the night with her Granny, leaving friends, pets and everything that Louisiana has grown to love, behind. I have to admit I wasn’t fond of Granny, I didn’t like what she taught Louisiana to swindle people and get away with as much as possible for little cost.

This story is full of heartbreak, sorrow counterbalanced by moments that are uplifting and enlightening and has an unnatural depth to it for a child’s/middle grade read.

The characters were spirited and engaging and unfortunately I couldn’t find myself relating to them nor the story. I’m not sure if this came down to my state of mind while reading this book or not but either way, I will have to do a reread of this book and hopefully grasp it lovingly with both hands.

Rating: 2/5

ISBN: 9780525633938

Publisher: Walker Books