Home Away From Home

A story about how to find home when everything around us is changing.

Mia and her mom visit Grandma in Maine every summer, but this year Mia is going alone. Her mom will stay behind to get their house ready to sell. It'll be a new start, she says, after the divorce.

Mia doesn't want a new start. She wishes everything stayed the same! At least things will be the same at Grandma's, though. Mia will walk to town for ice cream, and wait by the water, watching for birds, just like always.

Then Mia meets Grandma's know-it-all new neighbor, who's just her age. Cayman acts like he belongs at Grandma's house. He acts like he's the expert on everything. And when he and Mia spot an unusual white bird of prey, he acts like it's his job to find out what it is.

Unless, that is, Mia finds out first. And, in her effort to prove herself to him, she makes a decision that will change things for the town, for the bird, for Cayman, and even for herself. Can Mia stop what she's put into motion?

The Scholastic Press release date is April 2023.

"Mia is a thoughtful and adventurous narrator, and the bighearted book gives her a chance to learn and grow on her own terms. Lord splendidly captures the coziness of a coastal town and the exhilaration of responsible wildlife encounters. A rewarding summer read with depth and charm."  Booklist

"A coming-of-age tale told with tenderness and compassion."  Kirkus Reviews

"With a steady pace and a comforting tone, Lord skillfully weaves a message about respecting wildlife with themes of facing change into a tale of finding courage."  Publishers Weekly

Nominated for Kids' Choice Awards:

Sunshine State Young Readers Award (Florida)

Children's Choice Award (Iowa)

Black-Eyed Susan Award (Maryland)

Golden Sower Award (Nebraska)

Rhode Island Children's Book Award