ALL THE WAY HOME

 Bibliography:

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2009. ALL THE WAY HOME. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 0385322097

Plot Summary:

In 1941, a nurse named Loretta adopts Mariel, an 11-year-old girl, who was stricken with Polio and lost her mother due to the breakout, while working in Windy Hill Hospital.   They move to Brooklyn, New York near Ebbets Field, where the Dodgers play baseball.  When a fire destroys Bricks, an 11-year-old boy, apple orchard his parents leave him with Loretta who is a family friend. Brick runs away to Windy Hill to help his former neighbors harvest their crop and Mariel soon follows. Once there Brick helps the neighbor pick his apple crop so his farm wont be lost also, and Mariel spends time finding out the truth about her mother and her past. 

Critical Analysis:

This historical fiction novel is a great read for 3^rd grade and up.  The author Patricia Reilly Giff wrote this book because it reminded her of her own childhood and her feelings.  “All the Way Home was written because the specter of polio loomed over us each summer,” mentions Giff.   The time period is true to the WWII era, with Mariel’s polio being the main focus and tied in with that of President Roosevelt’s and the Dodgers winning the pennant, which give the reader a feeling of being scared and in the post-depression time. 

The description of how girls dressed and behaved gives the reader a glimps of 1941; pressed and starched party dress and neatly groomed hair with a bow.

The dialogue easy flowing and pulling you into the conversation,

A sense of belonging come across as the universal theme because both Brick and Mariel are dealing with separation and loss, and true friendship and family love also come through.  After reading this story, the reader realizes that everyone has problems.   Things aren’t as bad as they seemed when Mariel finally finds out she had a mother, “I had a mother who loved me, and her name was Mary.  And that is my name, too.” 

Review Excerpts:

• Maine Student Book Award

• Kentucky Bluegrass Award

• SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: Giff's writing is filled with wonderful details that appeal to all of the senses. Readers experience the treacherous fire just as realistically as they cheer when Mariel catches a fly ball. A compelling story of two unforgettable youngsters, their strength, and their friendship.  Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools.

• BOOKLIST review: Giff delivers a memorable picture of 1940s America, painted with colorful, telling details; believable dialogue; and crisp, flowing language. In her tightly woven, inspirational story, every character counts…. Ellen Mandel

• “For those who ever wondered how their grandparents lived—before television, Little League, and Jonas Salk—this agreeably sentimental book paints a realistic picture.—Horn Book Magazine

• “Readers will be swept away.” – Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

Other books dealing with separation and loss, friendship, family, and belonging include:

 Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff ISBN 0440414539

Journey by Patricia MacLachlan ISBN 0440408091

 Topics for discussion may include:

• The Great Depression
• Polio
• Dodgers-Baseball

Students could spend time researching polio, its effects on the body as well as President Franklin Roosevelt and his life with the disease.