THE JOURNEY HOME

by Isabelle Holland ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1990

The Children's AM Society takes a pair of Irish orphans from New York to a new home in rural Kansas. Heeding their dying mother's wish, responsible Maggie (12) and her feisty little sister Annie (7) accept tim chance of going to a more wholesome life despite their apprehensions about being separated or forcibly converted to Protestantism. Both concern are well-founded, but the girls are lucky: they're adopted by the Russells, a frail but compassionate woman and her stem but ultimately fair husband. Adjustment isn't easy, however, Maggie must look after Mrs. Russell's tyrannical old mother, while the girls face such other challenges as anti-Irish classmates who deride Maggie's scant previous education, a virulently anti-Catholic minister, and learning to milk. Holland, a prolific author of uneven quality whose 1972 YA novel, The Man Without a Face, was especially well received, here tells a predictable but satisfying story with authentic historical details and well-developed characters. Though carelessly edited--the early chapters, especially, are burdened by trivial detail, awkward language, and needless repetition--this should serve well enough as enjoyable, undemanding historical fiction.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 192

Publisher: Scholastic

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S