Reading Rumpus: Nowhere Girl by A.J. Paquette

Synopsis from the publisher: "Luchi Ann only knows a few things about herself: she was born in a prison in Thailand. Her American mother was an inmate there. And now that her mother has died, Luchi must leave the only place she's ever known and set out into the world. Neither at home as a Thai, because of her fair skin and blond hair, nor as a foreigner, because of her knowledge of Thai life and traditions, Luchi feels as though she belongs nowhere. But as she embarks on an amazing adventure-a journey spanning continents and customs, harrowing danger and exhilarating experiences-she will find the family, and the home, she's always dreamed of. Weaving intricate elements of traditional Thailand into a modern-day fairy tale unique unto itself, Nowhere Girl is a beautifully rendered story of courage, resilience, and finding the one place where you truly belong."

Nowhere Girl is told in first person and likable narrator Luchi Ann's coming of age search for a home tugs at the heartstrings. There is a bit of adventure and a bit of danger, enough to keep the plot from being totally stagnant. The Thailand setting provides an appealing addition to the tale. The beautiful cover art lends even more likability to Luchi Ann.

However, Nowhere Girl is a bit predictable and much of the story settles into too convenient a place. It is not strongly plot driven and would mostly appeal to a strong, realistic fiction reader. Reluctant readers would easily lose interest.

All that being said, Nowhere Girl is a well-written tale that many students will enjoy.

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Genre: Realistic fiction
Age: Middle Grade 10+
Pages: 256
Themes:

Character Development: Great
Plot Engagement: Fair
Originality: Good
Believability: Iffy at times

Thank You to Bloomsbury Kids for my advanced copy
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Date: September 2011
ISBN: 978-0802722973

BUY Nowhere Girl HERE

Book Site: Bloomsbury Kids

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Author A.J. Paquette lives in Boston with her husband and two daughters. She is a chocolate connoisseur. You can read more about her on her website.

Interviews with the author on
From the Mixed Up Files of Middle Grades Authors: HERE
and
Cynsations: HERE

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Nowhere Girl by A.J. Paquette - book review