The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy
on April 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593650735
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

When Fern’s mother wakes her in the night and whisks her away from the only home she remembers, Fern becomes angry.  For the past six years, she has lived on The Ranch – a “sustainable futurist community.”  Fern enjoys the hard work and the mission of the leader of The Ranch, Dr. Ben, has instilled in its inhabitants.  They are working toward surviving war and global warming. What young Fern does not realize is that The Ranch is a cult.  Fern wishes to return and starts a plan on how to do so.  Yet, life outside does have its perks.  She comes to enjoy having a say in her life, making her own decisions, and making friends.  

While a book about a twelve year old who is a member of a cult makes red flags fly, the novel is exceptionally well written and handles this often trauma inducing topic in a way that is perfect for middle grade readers.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.