Homesick: My Own Story

Bibliography: Fritz J. (1982). Homesick: My Own Story. Illus. Margot Tomes. New York, NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

Brief Annotation: Jean Fritz had tons of worries about her life. She was in China when she wanted to be in America. She was in a British school singing "God Save the King" when she didn't want to, and she worried about the cook trying to poison her. Nevertheless, she spent her time in many happy memories as well, such as adventures with her BFF Andrea and pictures being taken on the Great Wall. Jean may miss her hometown, but is having just as many wonderful times on the other side of the world. This book won the Newbery Honor medal in 1983

Genre: autobiography

Grade Level: 6-8

Readers who will like this: Students who have never read a book based on the author's life. If you are looking for adventure and emotion, this is the book to read.

Response/Rating: I would give this book a 4 because I loved how Jean wrote such a detailed part of her life into a story that I think young students can relate to. We have all felt homesick and for me it was nice to read a book that clearly portrayed that for someones life.

Question to ask before a read aloud: Have you ever left your hometown to move someplace else? What was that experience like for you? What kinds of new things happend that made you happy?