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Almost Home
Leah Baer has been shuffled to and from various parents and households for years, and now shes back at her fathers house with his new wife. This latest move seems as though it might be a lasting one, but Leah feels out of place both at home and at school. Then an unconventional boy named Will befriends Leah and persuades her to try acting to express her ideas and feelings. As Leah begins to learn more about herself, she also begins to see how she fits in her family members lives, and gradually finds out what it means to be home. Nora Raleigh Baskins stirring and heartfelt novel resonates with emotional truths.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2003
8 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Nora Raleigh Baskin
27 books304 followersI am seriously an open book. I've been writing semi-autiobiographical fiction since I was in 6th grade (1972) then, in 2001, Little, Brown published my first middle grade novel, about my life in 6th grade! titled "What Every Girl (except me) Knows." Twenty years and fifteen books later, that still, pretty much sums things up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 5, 2018
Almost Home is a touching book that makes me feel like you're falling apart emotionally by reading each chapter. Leah's life is not perfect, let alone going well. It shows me how it feels like to have a new unwanted mother and being tore away from the mother you loved, the one that gave birth to you. This taught me a lot and every time I read it again, I notice tidbits of things I missed.
March 21, 2012
Almost Home is the story of Leah Baer, a 12-year-old girl who has just recently come to live with her father and his new wife, Gail. Leah’s father picked her up from summer camp and told her her mother (with whom she had been living when she left for camp) has moved to California and she will now be living with him and Gail.
Understandably, Leah is flooded with all kinds of questions and emotions. Why has her mother left? Why did she leave Leah behind? The hurt and anger Leah feels in her mother’s rejection causes her to build a strong wall around herself in her father’s home. She is on guard against appearing to need–or worse, want–anything. Needing and wanting gives other people the power to hurt you. Leah is not willing to give that kind of power to anyone ever again.
As Leah struggles to feel she belongs anywhere, she meets Will, a classmate who remembers her from second grade–before her parents divorced and she moved away with her mother. Leah finds in Will an extraordinary friend who, although not afraid to be the unique individual he is, is also searching for a place to belong. It is with Will’s encouragement that Leah both auditions for the school play and begins the frightening task of lowering her protective walls.
Leah’s voice is so achingly genuine in its hurt and anger and ultimate hopefulness in life that I found myself completely absorbed in her words as I was reading. I could hear the twelve-year-old me speaking when she spoke and thinking the things that she thought. This is a book that will ring true for all young people–and obviously, for those of us who have been young people.
This is the second incredible book I have read by Nora Baskin and I will defintely continue to seek out her work. I recommend to anyone who enjoys Almost Home that they do the same!
Understandably, Leah is flooded with all kinds of questions and emotions. Why has her mother left? Why did she leave Leah behind? The hurt and anger Leah feels in her mother’s rejection causes her to build a strong wall around herself in her father’s home. She is on guard against appearing to need–or worse, want–anything. Needing and wanting gives other people the power to hurt you. Leah is not willing to give that kind of power to anyone ever again.
As Leah struggles to feel she belongs anywhere, she meets Will, a classmate who remembers her from second grade–before her parents divorced and she moved away with her mother. Leah finds in Will an extraordinary friend who, although not afraid to be the unique individual he is, is also searching for a place to belong. It is with Will’s encouragement that Leah both auditions for the school play and begins the frightening task of lowering her protective walls.
Leah’s voice is so achingly genuine in its hurt and anger and ultimate hopefulness in life that I found myself completely absorbed in her words as I was reading. I could hear the twelve-year-old me speaking when she spoke and thinking the things that she thought. This is a book that will ring true for all young people–and obviously, for those of us who have been young people.
This is the second incredible book I have read by Nora Baskin and I will defintely continue to seek out her work. I recommend to anyone who enjoys Almost Home that they do the same!
March 25, 2016
Almost Home by Nora Raleigh Baskin is a heartwarming tale about 12 year old Leah Baer, who struggles to find true happiness and acceptance after her life turns over when her mom leaves her. She resents living with her dad, hates her step mom, and only wishes for her loving mom to come back to her. Then she meets a boy named Will Hiller who accepts and befriends her, leading her to finally face the truth and open her cold heart.
The author writes in first person, drawing the reader closer to the main character's thoughts and feelings. She also spices up her writing with a contrasting combination of short, choppy diction and long, detailed phrases.
I really enjoyed this book because of Leah's stubborn and charismatic personality. I found myself laughing a couple times about how she tackled situations. I also liked reading the handwritten letters Leah wrote to her mom. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially teenagers who desire some comfort in the midst of problems with family and friends.
The author writes in first person, drawing the reader closer to the main character's thoughts and feelings. She also spices up her writing with a contrasting combination of short, choppy diction and long, detailed phrases.
I really enjoyed this book because of Leah's stubborn and charismatic personality. I found myself laughing a couple times about how she tackled situations. I also liked reading the handwritten letters Leah wrote to her mom. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially teenagers who desire some comfort in the midst of problems with family and friends.
December 12, 2012
Almost Home is about a girl named 6th Grader named Leah dealing with her mom leaving & being put in the care of her father; Living with her father isn't easy & even harder with her stepmother who doesn't seem to like her. Leah deals with the life of a broken home, school drama, & more. Overall to me the book was alright but, it didn't really grab my attention as much but the book was somewhat interesting. If you like stories about being a kid dealing with life even though you have a broken home or just drama as a child then I would recommend it. But, if not then I don't think this is the book for you.
May 16, 2018
I love this book. It makes me cry every time I read it.
I relate to the main character (Leah) so much. The thoughts and actions of Leah are so realistic, and out of all the books I've read with middle school age protagonists, Nora Raleigh Baskin is one of the few authors who's managed to create a realistic and believable middle school aged character. Her thoughts are thoughts I had while in middle school, and her actions are something a middle schooler would actually do. Nora Raleigh Baskin makes Leah's emotions feel so real.
I've read this book many times, it's not a challenging or a long read, but I definitely recommend it.
I relate to the main character (Leah) so much. The thoughts and actions of Leah are so realistic, and out of all the books I've read with middle school age protagonists, Nora Raleigh Baskin is one of the few authors who's managed to create a realistic and believable middle school aged character. Her thoughts are thoughts I had while in middle school, and her actions are something a middle schooler would actually do. Nora Raleigh Baskin makes Leah's emotions feel so real.
I've read this book many times, it's not a challenging or a long read, but I definitely recommend it.
August 13, 2016
Leah Baer, a young 6th grader, wants to go back home and live with her "mom" and half-sister. But she doesn't know what happened with her mom, and she's living with her dad and wife, which she hates. So she meets a boy named Will who she eventually comes best friends with. Then she finally feels comfortable living with her dad and being away from her "mom".
Themes: Family Loyalty, Friendship, Definition of home
Themes: Family Loyalty, Friendship, Definition of home
December 25, 2020
Maybe I’m feeling emotional today, but I cried for most of the book. The emotions felt like a walk down memory lane. Everything was relatable to me. The hurt, the depression, the feelings of abandonment. It would be a great read for middle and high schoolers who are going through the same struggles.
September 17, 2011
Such a cute book with really great writing. Recommended for Middle Grade readers. Also for kids with divorced parents, those who were adopted, or just anyone who's looking for a home. :)
April 13, 2015
It was a very entertaining and interesting book.
June 4, 2021
Well, this was one heck of a ride.
I first read this book in 2018, I remember I thought it was ok but that was it.
I found it again today in a box with my old books and decided to read it in one sitting. (not hard considering its only 172 pages) And damn it was bad. I'll start the few goods things about it then go on to the bad things
The good parts:
I liked the concept of the story, yes it was quite basic but I felt it could have been quite good if it had more depth.
Will, was one of the only good charters in the story, he was nice and the bits he was in made it more enjoyable for me.
OK, let's go onto the bad parts:
The first issue I have with this book is that on the blurb it makes out there's a huge secret to be revealed, and of course, there isn't. the only thing I think they were talking about was when we find out that her birth mother died but it's only mentioned once and has little to nothing to do with the main plot.
Leah is SUCH an annoying charter, she always complains about how Gail (the stepmom) is oh so mean to her when she (Leah) is the root of all the problems and is actually so rude to Gail when we see shes trying her best.
There's this one bit where Leah runs away because she thinks she failed a drama audition (dramatic much girl) and she doesn't even get into any trouble when she gets back, her dad just says, and I quote "that doesn't explain why its almost 7 o clock and you've been out, and it's dark and you didn't tell us where you were"
For part of the book, we see flashbacks to when Leah lived with her mom, sister, and moms boyfriend, (I forget what his name so let's just call him Steve) So Steve is shown that he doesn't like Leah, and I really thought he abused her, which lead to her now fully living her dad. although the book never says he did, I think there are a few hints, and Nora (the author) didn't fully add that plot as then it would be for older ages.
Overall I don't recommend it, but if you enjoyed it that's great!
I first read this book in 2018, I remember I thought it was ok but that was it.
I found it again today in a box with my old books and decided to read it in one sitting. (not hard considering its only 172 pages) And damn it was bad. I'll start the few goods things about it then go on to the bad things
The good parts:
I liked the concept of the story, yes it was quite basic but I felt it could have been quite good if it had more depth.
Will, was one of the only good charters in the story, he was nice and the bits he was in made it more enjoyable for me.
OK, let's go onto the bad parts:
The first issue I have with this book is that on the blurb it makes out there's a huge secret to be revealed, and of course, there isn't. the only thing I think they were talking about was when we find out that her birth mother died but it's only mentioned once and has little to nothing to do with the main plot.
Leah is SUCH an annoying charter, she always complains about how Gail (the stepmom) is oh so mean to her when she (Leah) is the root of all the problems and is actually so rude to Gail when we see shes trying her best.
There's this one bit where Leah runs away because she thinks she failed a drama audition (dramatic much girl) and she doesn't even get into any trouble when she gets back, her dad just says, and I quote "that doesn't explain why its almost 7 o clock and you've been out, and it's dark and you didn't tell us where you were"
For part of the book, we see flashbacks to when Leah lived with her mom, sister, and moms boyfriend, (I forget what his name so let's just call him Steve) So Steve is shown that he doesn't like Leah, and I really thought he abused her, which lead to her now fully living her dad. although the book never says he did, I think there are a few hints, and Nora (the author) didn't fully add that plot as then it would be for older ages.
Overall I don't recommend it, but if you enjoyed it that's great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2020
"And I think the worse thing would be to live your whole life without a dream."
"Even if it never comes true?"
"Yes," Will said.
I wondered if he was right about that. And I wondered if you had to let go before you could hold onto anything. I wasn't sure.
"Even if it never comes true?"
"Yes," Will said.
I wondered if he was right about that. And I wondered if you had to let go before you could hold onto anything. I wasn't sure.
October 26, 2017
Understated and full of kindness. Would've loved to read this when I was younger.
October 4, 2018
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
Хубаво поднесена Янг адълт книга. Искрена и показателна за това през какво преминават децата на разведени родители.
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December 30, 2020Cross-posted from my blog where there's more information on where I got my copy and pictures and stuff.
I dunno, I liked this one. It reminds me a bit of Witch's Fire, which I talked about recently. I think I would have liked this as a kid. It definitely has some problematic elements, and I don't know if I would let a kid I didn't get to keep read this, but I got this anxious child so hard, and it was better than I expected.
I'm probably going to keep this just because I could actually see myself reading this again. It is by no means a perfect book but it worked for me. It's one of those things, you know. I'm not saying I'd recommend it without stipulations, just that my brain went all, "Hey, I like this."
I dunno, I liked this one. It reminds me a bit of Witch's Fire, which I talked about recently. I think I would have liked this as a kid. It definitely has some problematic elements, and I don't know if I would let a kid I didn't get to keep read this, but I got this anxious child so hard, and it was better than I expected.
I'm probably going to keep this just because I could actually see myself reading this again. It is by no means a perfect book but it worked for me. It's one of those things, you know. I'm not saying I'd recommend it without stipulations, just that my brain went all, "Hey, I like this."
October 29, 2012
REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's all I have to say REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was so J it's pathetic. A modern fiction about a girl who learns to love and stuff. Bleh. You MAY like this if you are younger 9 or 10? This was so stupid!!! REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YA? YA? REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, don't read this (at least if you are older than 12). No. REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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July 4, 2024I mean I personally think that rating is fair since all it talks about is basically how her parents got divorced and how she wants to go back home.
Oh and also how many Almost Home books have been written, like search it up it the search bar at the of the Goodreads things and there is like a thousand all by different authors. Actually the accurate checked count (On Goodreads) is: Well I got to 69 then had 3 pages left so I just stopped.
Oh and also how many Almost Home books have been written, like search it up it the search bar at the of the Goodreads things and there is like a thousand all by different authors. Actually the accurate checked count (On Goodreads) is: Well I got to 69 then had 3 pages left so I just stopped.
September 27, 2010
If you have grown up with any kind of dysfunction in your life, you'll appreciate this story. I picked this up at the grocery store on a sale table. It was sweet and sad and really okay. The journey that the young girl is on is a hard one as she struggles to find her place after divorce and the loss of seeing her mom and sister on a regular basis.
December 27, 2010
This is another book that sat on the shelf for awhile.
There is nothing earth shattering or compelling about the story. It is a tale of a young woman who is abandoned by her mother and sent to live with her father and step mother.
The father and step mother are loving, patient and kind as together they discovery the meaning of family
There is nothing earth shattering or compelling about the story. It is a tale of a young woman who is abandoned by her mother and sent to live with her father and step mother.
The father and step mother are loving, patient and kind as together they discovery the meaning of family
January 9, 2015
I thought Almost Home was great book. I like when Leah wrote letters to her mom but never sent them to her mom. I also like when she stole the Hershey kisses from her step mom Gail. What I didn't like about the is that almost at the end Leah just starts crying and runs away because it was kind of sad and SCREAMS at Gail (her step mom). Over all I thought the book was AWESOME.
May 28, 2008
I really loved this book. It tells about some good friends and there's this guy who was once Leah's teacher and he teaches her how to go into her mind and turn into a chair and make her dream whatever leah wanted to. It was cool. I'd like to be able to do that stuff too.
July 25, 2015
Leigh is torn when she moves into her father's house and is asking herself questions. Luckily she meets Will a good friend and confidant who helps her adjust to school. To me it's a typical girl book of a teen and her adventures. Girls will connect to this story.
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February 11, 2016Leah has moved around a lot and her life has been split between the homes of her divorced parents. Her world is turned upside down when she, unexpectedly, has to go live with her dad. She has a lot of anger and hurt to work through as she figures out where home is.
July 16, 2008
I liked it just a little too young-ish (does that make sense?) for me!
September 25, 2008
I read this book after my friend Angela did and we really liked it!! I think it is fun having someoneto talk to about a book that two people read , both recently.
Marie
Marie
October 12, 2008
yet, another one that I have no recollection of...
January 21, 2009
Teenage angst book...from POV of 6th grader...
May 31, 2009
Amazing
October 14, 2009
I really Don't know what to say about
This book except that it teaches that you
Can always find happiness
This book except that it teaches that you
Can always find happiness
June 13, 2010
This was almost too subtle for me so I wonder if a teen or pre-teen would enjoy this story and not become bored. I think this needs more tension, less veiled innuendo...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews