The Wrong Way Home (novel)

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The Wrong Way Home
The Wrong Way Home (novel) (Book Cover).png
Author Kate O'Shaughnessy
LanguageEnglish
Genre Children's literature
Publisher Knopf
Publication date
 April 2, 2024
Publication placeUnited States
Pages336
ISBN 9780593650738

The Wrong Way Home is a 2024 children's novel written by American author Kate O'Shaunghnessy. 12-year-old Fern lives with her mother in a doomsday commune, The Ranch, in upstate New York run by Dr. Ben, who espouses beliefs like no using technology, avoiding processed food and synthetic fabrics, and predicts upheaval from climate change. [1] As Fern prepares for a rite of passage, her mother and Fern flee from the commune in the night, settling in California. [2] Fern's mother gets a job at a motel, and Fern starts attending school, making new friends, all the while secretly planning to contact Dr. Ben so he can bring them back. [3] As time passes away from the Ranch, however, Fern begins to question the teachings of Dr. Ben.

Reception

The book earned a Newbery Honor in 2025, [4] was named one of Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade of the Year books, and Booklist's Best Book of the Year list. [5] Critics appreciated the realatability of Fern, the relationship between Fern and her mother, [6] and the realistic portrayal of a teenager chafing against the authority figures in her life. [7]

References

  1. ↑ "THE WRONG WAY HOME". Kirkus Reviews. February 1, 2024. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  2. ↑ Toledo, Amanda (April 2024). "The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy (review)". Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. 77 (8). Johns Hopkins University Press: 291–292. doi:10.1353/bcc.2024.a922532 . Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  3. ↑ Flax, S. (2024). "The wrong way home". The Horn Book Magazine. pp. 149–150. ProQuest   3049843321 . Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "American Library Association announces 2025 Youth Media Award winners". American Library Association. January 27, 2025. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  5. ↑ "THE WRONG WAY HOME". Kate O'Shaughnessy. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  6. ↑ Graham, Emily (15 March 2024). "The Wrong Way Home". Booklist. Gale In Context: Biography. p. 73. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  7. ↑ Ptacek, Cher. "Book Review: WRONG WAY HOME, THE". Lorgnette: Quarterly Review of Children's and Young Adults' Books. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
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