What do you think?
Rate this book
Where I Live
Diana loves where she lives. She loves the astronomy charts on her walls and the fact that she can wave to her best friend, Rose, from her very own window. And best of all, a wren has recently made its home right by her front door! When her family is forced to move, Diana wonders if she[ ll ever find that same grounded and happy feeling again. This gentle and ultimately redeeming story in poems is about those secure and fulfilling friendships that happen naturally and easily when you live right next door, and the struggles of losing the comfort of a familiar place. Matt Phelan[?'s warm and expressive illustrations perfectly complement Eileen Spinelli[?'s tenderhearted and unique tale that reminds us that sometimes a little uprooting and change is necessary for growth.
112 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2007
16 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Spinelli
136 books98 followersEileen Spinelli is an award-winning children's book author from southeastern Pennsylvania. She has written over 100 picture books and novels for children. Her husband is Jerry Spinelli, who also writes books for children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 2, 2014
This is a very touching story of a little girl who loves her house, her friend, playing scrabble, writing poetry, and studying the stars.
The story is written as a series of poems, and it is full of emotion. Diana is very sad when her family has to move because her father loses his job. She feels that she is having to say good bye to everything she loves best. Eventually, Diana finds a new friend, and discovers that, even though she will always miss her old life, new adventures are waiting for her in her new home.
Warning: it made me cry.
The story is written as a series of poems, and it is full of emotion. Diana is very sad when her family has to move because her father loses his job. She feels that she is having to say good bye to everything she loves best. Eventually, Diana finds a new friend, and discovers that, even though she will always miss her old life, new adventures are waiting for her in her new home.
Warning: it made me cry.
December 19, 2016
Diana loves where she lives. A family of birds has a nest over the back door, and her best friend, Rose, lives close enough that they can wave to each other from their windows. When Diana's dad loses his job, and the family decides to move in with Diana's grandpa, Diana just can't imagine what it will be like to live somewhere else. It is only after she says goodbye to her old house and old friends that she realizes that change brings happy things along with the sad.
This short chapter book in verse covers very familiar ground. There are countless children's books about moving, and many of them repeat the same events and emotions over and over again. This story is different, though, because it's not just about the moving process. About half of the book actually occurs before the move, so the reader gets a sense of Diana's life in her old house. Because the reader is invested in her old life, he or she is able to sympathize that much more with Diana when she learns she is moving. This means that Diana's feelings about where she lives - not the move - become the central focus of the story. The book becomes less of a "moving" book and more of a presentation of how our lives are affected by where we live.
The unique language of Spinelli's verse is another notable feature of this book. I picked out several lines and phrases that struck me as particularly evocative and interesting. One such phrase was "purpy flopple," which is the nickname Rose has given to the floppy purple hat she allows Diana to keep as a going away present. This is such a small, silly phrase, yet it's one of the most memorable in the book. I also thought Spinelli did a lovely job writing the moment at which Diana and her family drive away from their old house and Diana watches as Rose gets further and further away.
I watch her from the back window
until she is a tiny speck -
the hardest goodbye of all.
There is also a wonderful description of Diana's little sister, Twink, that sums up her personality perfectly.
Twink's tub water
turn blue...
dark...
dreamy...
like a lake
after midnight.
Twink is always
making stuff like this happen.
Accidentally.
I love these specific moments of insight into the characters. I also enjoyed the friendship between Diana and Rose, where they share each other's diaries and manage to get along despite their major differences of opinion about subjects like astronomy. I also like that, when Diana does make a friend at her new house who likes things that Rose does not like, she does not feel guilty or assume that she is replacing her best friend. This is yet another plot point that separates this book from others on the same subject.
Where I Live is similar to Julie Sternberg's Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie, and its tone also reminds me of Lulu and the Duck in the Park and Lulu and the Dog from the Sea. Though it is written in verse, I think it will appeal mainly to girls in grades 2 to 4, especially those with little sisters and fun best friends of their own.
This short chapter book in verse covers very familiar ground. There are countless children's books about moving, and many of them repeat the same events and emotions over and over again. This story is different, though, because it's not just about the moving process. About half of the book actually occurs before the move, so the reader gets a sense of Diana's life in her old house. Because the reader is invested in her old life, he or she is able to sympathize that much more with Diana when she learns she is moving. This means that Diana's feelings about where she lives - not the move - become the central focus of the story. The book becomes less of a "moving" book and more of a presentation of how our lives are affected by where we live.
The unique language of Spinelli's verse is another notable feature of this book. I picked out several lines and phrases that struck me as particularly evocative and interesting. One such phrase was "purpy flopple," which is the nickname Rose has given to the floppy purple hat she allows Diana to keep as a going away present. This is such a small, silly phrase, yet it's one of the most memorable in the book. I also thought Spinelli did a lovely job writing the moment at which Diana and her family drive away from their old house and Diana watches as Rose gets further and further away.
I watch her from the back window
until she is a tiny speck -
the hardest goodbye of all.
There is also a wonderful description of Diana's little sister, Twink, that sums up her personality perfectly.
Twink's tub water
turn blue...
dark...
dreamy...
like a lake
after midnight.
Twink is always
making stuff like this happen.
Accidentally.
I love these specific moments of insight into the characters. I also enjoyed the friendship between Diana and Rose, where they share each other's diaries and manage to get along despite their major differences of opinion about subjects like astronomy. I also like that, when Diana does make a friend at her new house who likes things that Rose does not like, she does not feel guilty or assume that she is replacing her best friend. This is yet another plot point that separates this book from others on the same subject.
Where I Live is similar to Julie Sternberg's Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie, and its tone also reminds me of Lulu and the Duck in the Park and Lulu and the Dog from the Sea. Though it is written in verse, I think it will appeal mainly to girls in grades 2 to 4, especially those with little sisters and fun best friends of their own.
April 27, 2008
I enjoyed this story about a girl who doesn't want to move-- and I could relate to that! I especially liked the relationship between the main character, Diana, and her little sister Twink. Recommended!
May 18, 2013
Diana loves her yellow house with the white shutters and everyone who lives in and around it. She loves her parents, her best friend Rose, and even her annoying little sister, Twink. She loves the bedroom that she and Rose have painted the color of the night sky and the baby birds that have nested in the willow wreath on the front door. But now Diana has to say goodbye to all of that because her father lost his job and the family has to move all the way across Pennsylvania to live with Grandpa Joe. Diana doesn’t want to move and she channels her sad, mad, mixed up feelings into her poetry. But after a while, and a lot of poems, Diana realizes her new home, with its white stucco walls and red geraniums, isn’t so bad after all.
In a series of free verse poems (“It doesn’t rhyme” says Twink) Diana describes her world with energy, passion, and love. Spinelli’s gentle, yet clever, poems capture the desires and emotions of an elementary school aged girl. The poems are arranged chronologically and each one is a quick snapshot. Some poems are short reflections on a person or incident and some are lists, like “My Six Favorite Star Facts” and “Six Reasons We Have to Move.” Phelan’s greyscale pencil illustrations are sprinkled throughout the book. They realistically depict scenes from Diana’s life as if they were candid photos. This creates a scrapbook-like feeling. The illustrations create visual interest, especially nice for early readers, but poems can be understood and appreciated with or without the illustrations. This is a very quick read, great for an early chapter or poetry book club.
Full Review at Chapter Book Explorer: http://chapterbookexplorer.blogspot.c...
In a series of free verse poems (“It doesn’t rhyme” says Twink) Diana describes her world with energy, passion, and love. Spinelli’s gentle, yet clever, poems capture the desires and emotions of an elementary school aged girl. The poems are arranged chronologically and each one is a quick snapshot. Some poems are short reflections on a person or incident and some are lists, like “My Six Favorite Star Facts” and “Six Reasons We Have to Move.” Phelan’s greyscale pencil illustrations are sprinkled throughout the book. They realistically depict scenes from Diana’s life as if they were candid photos. This creates a scrapbook-like feeling. The illustrations create visual interest, especially nice for early readers, but poems can be understood and appreciated with or without the illustrations. This is a very quick read, great for an early chapter or poetry book club.
Full Review at Chapter Book Explorer: http://chapterbookexplorer.blogspot.c...
October 21, 2009
This book both begins and ends with a poem named "where i live," but the two poems--and the two places--are different. This book, written in the voice of young narrator and poet Diana, details the difficult road between the two.
At the beginning of the book, life is perfect. She has a wonderful family, a home she loves, a BFF Rose, and a kind, empathetic teacher. She wins a poetry contest and is invited to a writing workshop. The mood at homs causes Diana to suspect that her parents are getting a divorce. Then--good news--her parents aren't getting a divorce; bad news--her father lost his job. Then more bad news that Grandpa Joe has broken his arm and Mother must go care for him. Finally, the worst news--the family must move in with Grandpa Joe.
This is a quiet, poetic book--a book that reminds us of the power of a loving family, good friends, and a caring teacher. Diana is able to cope with the upheavals in her life and shares her feelings in each entry. She goes to the writing workshop, learns to meet new friends and finds someone in her new neighborhood who shares her love of astronomy. And she learns to love her new home.
At the beginning of the book, life is perfect. She has a wonderful family, a home she loves, a BFF Rose, and a kind, empathetic teacher. She wins a poetry contest and is invited to a writing workshop. The mood at homs causes Diana to suspect that her parents are getting a divorce. Then--good news--her parents aren't getting a divorce; bad news--her father lost his job. Then more bad news that Grandpa Joe has broken his arm and Mother must go care for him. Finally, the worst news--the family must move in with Grandpa Joe.
This is a quiet, poetic book--a book that reminds us of the power of a loving family, good friends, and a caring teacher. Diana is able to cope with the upheavals in her life and shares her feelings in each entry. She goes to the writing workshop, learns to meet new friends and finds someone in her new neighborhood who shares her love of astronomy. And she learns to love her new home.
January 7, 2010
A sweet story about friendship, moving, sadness, and making new friends. Diana finds out she is moving after her father loses his job. She will miss her house, her neighborhood, but especially her friend Rose. Rose and Diana do everything together, even though Rose doesn't like stars, the night sky, and poetry like Diana does. The family goes to live with grandpa Joe in his big white stucco house and Diana is sad...sad until her love of poetry finds her in a new way, and a new friend finds her who loves astronomy just as much (maybe more) than she does.
Where I Live by Eileen Spinelli is a simple, heartfelt book written with a child's eye and a tender touch. The black and white illustrations are expressive and delightful and match the story with precision.
Where I Live by Eileen Spinelli is a simple, heartfelt book written with a child's eye and a tender touch. The black and white illustrations are expressive and delightful and match the story with precision.
August 22, 2007
I finished this novel in verse with my daughter and found it immensely satisfying. I got choked up reading out loud to her more than once. The illustrations that go along with the poems are also excellent and very evocative. This is a beautifully written book about a girl having to move and her adjustment.
September 27, 2007
Wow. What a great little book. Written in free verse, this is a super-quick read, and quite a satisfying one. Matt Phelan's illustrations are absolutely perfect, conveying incredible emotion. Diana has a realistic voice--one many children will recognize. I cannot recommend this strongly enough. Read it.
April 20, 2009
Beautifully written. Admittedly it touched my heart more now than it would any other time. I liked it so much I want to buy it and keep it around for years to come.
July 5, 2010
A good choice for students who like the "book in verse" with a familiar theme of a girl having to move when her father loses his job. Solid and very good for 3-5th grade.
November 25, 2020
Poignant little poems tell this story of a family's move. Sweet, funny, sad, hopeful. A lot of emotion in this sparce chapter book.
February 18, 2020
I loved it.
No one warned me
That I would cry
And smile
In the library.
No one warned me
That I would cry
And smile
In the library.
May 1, 2014
This novel-in-verse is a quick read that captures the emotional turmoil of losing a job, moving away from family and friends, and starting over in a new city from the point of view of an 8 or 9 year old. Diana's sun-drenched yellow house with white shutters, a maple tree, and daffodils is "stitched against the sky," providing comfort and security like the wren's nest cradled in the wreath on the front door. She wants a new bike for her upcoming birthday and has a lovable and annoying younger sister called, "Twink." Her best friend Rose wears a floppy purple hat and goes cross-eyed when Diana gushes about nebulas and stars. Diana's second passion is poetry. When she wins a poetry contrast Twink can't understand why since her poems "don't rhyme." When her father loses his job and her grandpa falls ill, Diana is upset by her parents decision to move in with grandpa.
While the words and imagery are not complex, making this book accessible to young readers, the complex situations and changes within the character, Diana, make it good for older readers striving for language fluency. The illustrations support the text and plot offering another reading aid. Diana's situation is relatable for many readers whether dealing with losing and making a friend or stressful situations resulting from a sick relative or financial difficulties. The anger that Diana expresses is authentic and her vulnerability makes it easy to get into the story. She changes from resenting her family's move to accepting it.
The younger sister offers comic relief from being sweet and annoying. When Twink sees that Diana is sad because she didn't get the bike she expected due to her father's job loss, Twink wraps her favorite stuffed toy, George, and gives it to Diana. Twink looks like she is about 4 years old and as most readers know, sharing is mighty hard for little kiddos. I laughed when she tells Diana she's "loanding" George and wants him back by the end of the day. The illustration of "itchy" Twink in the carseat with her mouth wide open complaining about the long ride is my favorite. Diana is giving her the evil eye that Twink is oblivious too. The next page shows Diana holding Twink as a baby who is stroking her cheek lovingly. The sibling dynamic of loving each other and fighting is well-done in the text and photos.
When Diana moves she meets a boy her age and struggles with being his friend because he is a boy. Even though Sam Peter Ling "...loves astronomy as much as I do," has a telescope, plays her favorite game "Scrabble," and has star parties, she doesn't like that he is a boy. Diana seems to be having an issue with gender segregation. She verbalizes it to Diana and Sam, who respond to her concerns by asking why does that matter? I like the simplicity of their response. Diana seems to agree with them because the next page has Diana getting a new bike and the subsequent page has her describing her new house and new friend. I did want a page of Diana deciding that its okay to have a friend that is a boy versus the reader having to infer it. In a nice circular ending, the last page has Diana describing her new house and plans she has made with her new friend.
The bird's nest on the door becomes home to three chicks named, "Snap, Crackle, Pop," by Twink and they move before Diana's family. The nest is a symbol of Diana's home and the birds are a symbol of Diana's family. She hopes that the birds will visit them in their new place. When she moves and her grandpa shows her a way to stay in touch with her friend Rose, she realizes that she doesn't have to say goodbye permanently. She and Rose can still communicate. Bird's are dependent in the nest until they learn to fly on their own. Diana is learning to be independent and make new friends. She is growing up and changing becoming more mature. Like the birds that flew away, she too, is learning to spread her wings and soar.
While the words and imagery are not complex, making this book accessible to young readers, the complex situations and changes within the character, Diana, make it good for older readers striving for language fluency. The illustrations support the text and plot offering another reading aid. Diana's situation is relatable for many readers whether dealing with losing and making a friend or stressful situations resulting from a sick relative or financial difficulties. The anger that Diana expresses is authentic and her vulnerability makes it easy to get into the story. She changes from resenting her family's move to accepting it.
The younger sister offers comic relief from being sweet and annoying. When Twink sees that Diana is sad because she didn't get the bike she expected due to her father's job loss, Twink wraps her favorite stuffed toy, George, and gives it to Diana. Twink looks like she is about 4 years old and as most readers know, sharing is mighty hard for little kiddos. I laughed when she tells Diana she's "loanding" George and wants him back by the end of the day. The illustration of "itchy" Twink in the carseat with her mouth wide open complaining about the long ride is my favorite. Diana is giving her the evil eye that Twink is oblivious too. The next page shows Diana holding Twink as a baby who is stroking her cheek lovingly. The sibling dynamic of loving each other and fighting is well-done in the text and photos.
When Diana moves she meets a boy her age and struggles with being his friend because he is a boy. Even though Sam Peter Ling "...loves astronomy as much as I do," has a telescope, plays her favorite game "Scrabble," and has star parties, she doesn't like that he is a boy. Diana seems to be having an issue with gender segregation. She verbalizes it to Diana and Sam, who respond to her concerns by asking why does that matter? I like the simplicity of their response. Diana seems to agree with them because the next page has Diana getting a new bike and the subsequent page has her describing her new house and new friend. I did want a page of Diana deciding that its okay to have a friend that is a boy versus the reader having to infer it. In a nice circular ending, the last page has Diana describing her new house and plans she has made with her new friend.
The bird's nest on the door becomes home to three chicks named, "Snap, Crackle, Pop," by Twink and they move before Diana's family. The nest is a symbol of Diana's home and the birds are a symbol of Diana's family. She hopes that the birds will visit them in their new place. When she moves and her grandpa shows her a way to stay in touch with her friend Rose, she realizes that she doesn't have to say goodbye permanently. She and Rose can still communicate. Bird's are dependent in the nest until they learn to fly on their own. Diana is learning to be independent and make new friends. She is growing up and changing becoming more mature. Like the birds that flew away, she too, is learning to spread her wings and soar.
December 9, 2012
I came into reading this book not sure if it would be a hit or a miss. I've moved around nearly all my life and most of the media I've seen about children moving did not fit my situation at all. I never had a house that I'd spent my entire life in, never had a best friend I'd known since kindergarten. This book didn't change that but that didn't stop it from grabbing onto my heart and tugging. One poem that really struck me was Diana's list poem about the things she misses and the entire 10 item list is her friend Rose. Another that nearly brought me to tears was Diana talking with her teacher about her move and how "sad, mad and mixed up" she was feeling and the only thing her teacher said was that it was okay to feel the way she did. Although I didn't connect with Diana's situation, I did connect with her character; I saw a lot of my younger self in her. A quiet reader and writer with a strange hobby, wise beyond her years but still very much a child. This is an excellent book for children who are about to move for the first time, reassuring them that yes, it will be hard. Yes, you will miss your friends and the life you had before. But your life is changing, not over.
April 1, 2013
Spinelli, Eileen (2007). Where I Live. New York: Penguin Group.
Subgroup:
Raised by a Grandparent
Genre:
Poetry
Topics:
living with a grandparent, dealing with change, friendship, moving away
Synopsis:
This story is told through poetry from a young girl's perspective. Diana is really sad when she finds out she has to move six hours away to live with her grandpa Jo. She is sad to leave everything, especially her best friend, Rose. I like the multicultural aspect that is illustrated through the friendship between Diana and Rose (they are from different ethnic backgrounds). At first, Diana is really upset and she wants to move back to her old home. As the poems progress, Diana realizes that she can be happy in her new home. Her grandpa Jo does so much to make her feel happy and welcome in her new home. He even paints her bedroom blue, the color of her old room. Diana realizes that home is where your family is. The story shows the emotions that a child goes through when they experience a life-changing even and it also shows a positive relationship between a young girl and her grandpa.
Subgroup:
Raised by a Grandparent
Genre:
Poetry
Topics:
living with a grandparent, dealing with change, friendship, moving away
Synopsis:
This story is told through poetry from a young girl's perspective. Diana is really sad when she finds out she has to move six hours away to live with her grandpa Jo. She is sad to leave everything, especially her best friend, Rose. I like the multicultural aspect that is illustrated through the friendship between Diana and Rose (they are from different ethnic backgrounds). At first, Diana is really upset and she wants to move back to her old home. As the poems progress, Diana realizes that she can be happy in her new home. Her grandpa Jo does so much to make her feel happy and welcome in her new home. He even paints her bedroom blue, the color of her old room. Diana realizes that home is where your family is. The story shows the emotions that a child goes through when they experience a life-changing even and it also shows a positive relationship between a young girl and her grandpa.
January 13, 2009
This is such a sweet and charming little book--little in size, but not in heart. Diana is a young girl who loves her yellow house, her best friend Rose, the wren nesting in the wreath on the front door, and the night sky. She writes a poem about the sun and it wins a school contest. She wakes up happy in the morning. Her life is good.
But then her dad loses his job and her parents decide to move to Grandpa Joe's house near Pittsburgh. Diana is heartbroken. She has to say mad-sad goodbyes to her yellow house, her teacher Mrs. Clifford, and Rose, and she knows she will never laugh again.
Since Diana writes poetry, this book is written in a series of poems. In spare language, the author reveals Diana's happy highs to her mad-sad lows. The illustrations are black and white pencil drawings, but I can feel the glowing warmth of the yellow house and the deep softness of Rose's purple floppy hat (or "purpy flopple" as they call it.)
Where I Live is on the 2009-2010 Texas Bluebonnet Award List.
But then her dad loses his job and her parents decide to move to Grandpa Joe's house near Pittsburgh. Diana is heartbroken. She has to say mad-sad goodbyes to her yellow house, her teacher Mrs. Clifford, and Rose, and she knows she will never laugh again.
Since Diana writes poetry, this book is written in a series of poems. In spare language, the author reveals Diana's happy highs to her mad-sad lows. The illustrations are black and white pencil drawings, but I can feel the glowing warmth of the yellow house and the deep softness of Rose's purple floppy hat (or "purpy flopple" as they call it.)
Where I Live is on the 2009-2010 Texas Bluebonnet Award List.
January 20, 2009
I picked this up mainly because of the author's last name. I've been a long-time fan of Jerry Spinelli and figured they must be related. Turns out, Eileen is his wife. Shame on me for not knowing about or at least not making the connection sooner. Most of what Eileen has written are picture books for children. When I visited her fun website I realized I have several of them in my library at school, but I sadly I didn't know them by author. I tend to direct the younger kids to engaging stories with clever titles and great illustrations as that is what attracts them anyway while tend to steer the older students to authors or series that I know are well written. But I am working on becoming better informed about the authors of terrific picture books so that I can know what to look for when we're doing orders or going on book buying excursions for the library. Any how, Eileen Spinelli is definitely on my radar now. I really enjoyed "Where I Live" - about a young girl having to cope with moving. It is written in verse (not unlike some of Sharon Creech's works).
September 21, 2012
Verse Novel:
If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be “relatable.” As I was reading, I reminisced about some of my recent moves and got a bit choked up. Readers at many ages could easily love this book. For as effortless and quick of a read as it is, it conveys extraordinary emotion centered on friendship, family, loss, and growth. The opening scenes paint a beautiful and content picture for Diana, and as the story develops you go on her journey with her. I love the authenticity of her situation, and the reminders of the value of a loving family and good friends. Being that it is a shorter read, I think it’s a perfect example for learning readers who may have just been introduced to various styles of writing like verse form, or a perfect choice for those who are transitioning from picture books to chapter books. I am certain as a teacher I will be comforting kiddos on moves away from best friends or answering questions of why parents lost jobs; What a great book to have in my arsenal for that occasion.
If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be “relatable.” As I was reading, I reminisced about some of my recent moves and got a bit choked up. Readers at many ages could easily love this book. For as effortless and quick of a read as it is, it conveys extraordinary emotion centered on friendship, family, loss, and growth. The opening scenes paint a beautiful and content picture for Diana, and as the story develops you go on her journey with her. I love the authenticity of her situation, and the reminders of the value of a loving family and good friends. Being that it is a shorter read, I think it’s a perfect example for learning readers who may have just been introduced to various styles of writing like verse form, or a perfect choice for those who are transitioning from picture books to chapter books. I am certain as a teacher I will be comforting kiddos on moves away from best friends or answering questions of why parents lost jobs; What a great book to have in my arsenal for that occasion.
September 24, 2012
Easy read, finished within 15 minutes over a grilled cheese sandwich. Where I Live, is a heartwarming book that in all its simplicity tugged at my heart. I got a little teary-eyed, but maybe that's just me. The writing very much reflected what might be in a child's diary, but at the same time, I believe that the writings were to simplistic and underestimated the creativity a child may have with their words. In a way this book tried just too hard to achieve Diana's young voice. I wish the author would have used a larger vocabulary to describe Diana's feelings and situation for she faced some rather adult themes and that should have been mirrored through more complex vocabulary. A good book overall about dealing with a new place, and new people, all while missing what was familiar. The pictures were simple and did not over shadow the book, but complemented it very well. Seems like a good read for kids who still want a picture book theme, and set up, but with a longer and more elaborate plotline.
November 12, 2012
Verse Novel
spoiler alert!!!
This book is about a girl named Diana who has to move away with her family but the most tragic part is leaving her best friend Rose. I can relate to her because my two best friends moved away in the same summer when we were going into the 6th grade, one moved all the way to California and the other to a small town about an hour and 30 minutes away from me. Diana was heart broken because Rose was the one person she spent all of her time with. She loved where she lived and thought of it as being the most perfect place. Her new home led her to still missing Rose but she met a new friend named Sam, but he was a boy so he was no Rose. The book was good but the end was kind of disappointing. I recommend this book for anyone who has had a friend move away or who has moved away from a friend. This was around their middle aged school years and that is when my best friends moved away. It was kind of sad to read in certain parts but was definitely worth it. i give it for stars because i think the end could have been a little better.
spoiler alert!!!
This book is about a girl named Diana who has to move away with her family but the most tragic part is leaving her best friend Rose. I can relate to her because my two best friends moved away in the same summer when we were going into the 6th grade, one moved all the way to California and the other to a small town about an hour and 30 minutes away from me. Diana was heart broken because Rose was the one person she spent all of her time with. She loved where she lived and thought of it as being the most perfect place. Her new home led her to still missing Rose but she met a new friend named Sam, but he was a boy so he was no Rose. The book was good but the end was kind of disappointing. I recommend this book for anyone who has had a friend move away or who has moved away from a friend. This was around their middle aged school years and that is when my best friends moved away. It was kind of sad to read in certain parts but was definitely worth it. i give it for stars because i think the end could have been a little better.
September 26, 2012
When I heard this was a book about a little girl having to move away from her best friend, I knew this was going to be my first pick for the verse novel choice. I have had so many friends move away as a kid, so I thought it would be a good choice. This book was a quick read, which was expected since it consists of poems. I loved that the main little girl, Diana, was really obsessed with astronomy and her best friend, Rose, accepted her for it since she wasn't as interested in the topic. When Diana did finally move I was so happy for her that she found a friend that loved astronomy as much as she did, even though it was a boy. I think the very last message at the end of this book was a great one, that boys and girls can be good friends, because a lot of kids don't think that can happen. This is a good book about friends, and making new ones. I think just about everyone can relate to the story because almost everyone has moved away or had a best friend move away as a kid.
November 6, 2012
I really enjoyed how there was such a range of emotions in this book. It had ups and downs that many young readers could relate to. With the way the economy is and how many people are being layed off her fathers story is especially relatable. While none of the things in the book particularly related to me I still enjoyed it. I never had to move away from a friend or had one more away from me but I feel like from this book I already have a better understanding.
This book was a very easy read, but with that said it was still a good book. I actually thought the fact it was a quick and easy read made me enjoy the story more. It was a feel good book that did not need to be dragged out. It made you smile and got straight to the point. Even though I liked the story I don't particularly like verse novels. I think they're fun and short but it won't ever become a go to genre for me. I would recommend this book to others but would warn them of the verse aspect. Overall and enjoyable read.
This book was a very easy read, but with that said it was still a good book. I actually thought the fact it was a quick and easy read made me enjoy the story more. It was a feel good book that did not need to be dragged out. It made you smile and got straight to the point. Even though I liked the story I don't particularly like verse novels. I think they're fun and short but it won't ever become a go to genre for me. I would recommend this book to others but would warn them of the verse aspect. Overall and enjoyable read.
July 22, 2009
TOPIC THREADS:
* family
* unemployment
* moving
* fears
* friendship
* verse novel
PICTURE BOOK CONNECTIONS:
* Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move (moving)
* My Ol' Man (unemployment)
* Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend (friendship, fears)
* Wemberly Worried (friendship, fears)
CHAPTER BOOK CONNECTIONS:
* Ramona and Her Father (unemployment)
* There's an Owl in the Shower (unemployment)
* Love That Dog (verse novel)
* Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Moving Day (moving)
* Locomotion (verse novel)
OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR:
* Heat Wave
* Someday
* Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch
* Sophie's Masterpiece
* When You Are Happy
* Summerhouse Time
* family
* unemployment
* moving
* fears
* friendship
* verse novel
PICTURE BOOK CONNECTIONS:
* Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move (moving)
* My Ol' Man (unemployment)
* Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend (friendship, fears)
* Wemberly Worried (friendship, fears)
CHAPTER BOOK CONNECTIONS:
* Ramona and Her Father (unemployment)
* There's an Owl in the Shower (unemployment)
* Love That Dog (verse novel)
* Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Moving Day (moving)
* Locomotion (verse novel)
OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR:
* Heat Wave
* Someday
* Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch
* Sophie's Masterpiece
* When You Are Happy
* Summerhouse Time
November 3, 2013
I haven't read a book like this, possibly ever. It's a picture book, it's a poetry novel, it's a first person narrative, it's a book about a girl and her best friend, it's a book about a girl and her sister, it's a book about a family that has to move due to financial hardship and health issues, it's a book about a girl devastated by moving away from her best friend, and a book about how to deal with all of life's changes.
I would read it again and again; at the same time, simple and complex, beautiful and rough, magical and mundane. It would serve a class of 2nd to 4th graders well.
I would read it again and again; at the same time, simple and complex, beautiful and rough, magical and mundane. It would serve a class of 2nd to 4th graders well.
November 17, 2013
Where I Live by Eileen Spinelli is a book that tells the story of a girl named Diana and how she has to move from the house that she loves and leave her best friend to go to a new town and new house and make new friends. This book accurately portrays Diana’s emotions throughout her new transition from being sad and upset over leaving to realizing that she can be happy in this new chapter of her life. This book is unique in that it consists entirely of poems and pencil drawing illustrations throughout the book. Barnes and Noble recommends this book for children ages six to nine.
October 19, 2017
This is a sweet story for elementary school kids about friendship and having to move due to family circumstances. The story is written in verse and tells about Diana and her best friend Rose and her little sister Twink. Diana finds her father has lost his job and the family is moving away to live with her Grandpa Joe. Diana loves writing poems and astronomy and she really doesn't want to move. Matt Phelan's illustrations really add to the sentiment and emotion of the story. It brought tears to my eyes thinking of my friends that have moved away.
September 22, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a big fan of free verse novels and this one is sweet and endearing, which also has a lot to do with the illustrations. Spinelli is very effective in getting Diana's emotions about home, family, friends, and moving across to her readers. Likewise, Phelan's drawings get you right in the heart. For such simple drawings they really portray alot of feling. A new favorite.
October 7, 2010
2011 Bluestem Nominee
The book follows 9-year old Diana through one year of her life. We learn about her friends, family, and how she copes with an upcoming move.
This is primarily an accumulation of narrative poems, although there are a few few that are expressive and free voice. None of them are in Rhyme which could enlighten and challenge the younger intended audience. The author does a very good job at capturing the emotion and feeling of a little girl whose world is changing.
The book follows 9-year old Diana through one year of her life. We learn about her friends, family, and how she copes with an upcoming move.
This is primarily an accumulation of narrative poems, although there are a few few that are expressive and free voice. None of them are in Rhyme which could enlighten and challenge the younger intended audience. The author does a very good job at capturing the emotion and feeling of a little girl whose world is changing.
May 2, 2012
Series of poems telling the story of Diana, a little girl who loves stars, playing Scrabble, and her best friend, Rose. Diana's father loses his job and so they have to sell their house and move 6 hours away to live with her grandfather. Usual theme of moving and a child having no control over the situation, but the poems are a nice touch. Overall, a sweet and light story about a child who is totally unhappy with moving, but finds a friend and a happy life in her new home.
March 5, 2008
A lovely book about a young girl who is very content with where she lives and her family and her best friend. She writes poetry well and is an avid star gazer. Then dad loses his job and everything changes when they must move, and how Diana protests and adjusts. The book is written in prose poetry with expressive pencil illustrations by Matt Whelan. A quick and wonderful read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews