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Where I Belong
Alienated, bullied, a classic underachiever, 12-year-old Brendan retreats into his fantasy world and then faces the long and demanding journey to a real world where he belongs.
No one is kind to sixth-grader Brendan Doyle: his foster mother, his teachers, his classmates, and especially the thugs who bully him. He takes refuge in books, drawing, carving, and daydreaming. When Brendan stumbles upon an old man near his tree house in the Virginia woods, he is quick to believe that this is the magical Green Man, guardian spirit of the forest. Brendan's need to immerse himself in his fantasy world becomes more acute, until he meets a girl with secrets of her own who may just keep his feet on the ground.
No one is kind to sixth-grader Brendan Doyle: his foster mother, his teachers, his classmates, and especially the thugs who bully him. He takes refuge in books, drawing, carving, and daydreaming. When Brendan stumbles upon an old man near his tree house in the Virginia woods, he is quick to believe that this is the magical Green Man, guardian spirit of the forest. Brendan's need to immerse himself in his fantasy world becomes more acute, until he meets a girl with secrets of her own who may just keep his feet on the ground.
226 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
36 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
Mary Downing Hahn
72 books4,398 followersI grew up in a small shingled house down at the end of Guilford Road in College Park, Maryland. Our block was loaded with kids my age. We spent hours outdoors playing "Kick the Can" and "Mother, May I" as well as cowboy and outlaw games that usually ended in quarrels about who shot whom. In the summer, we went on day long expeditions into forbidden territory -- the woods on the other side of the train tracks, the creek that wound its way through College Park, and the experimental farm run by the University of Maryland.
In elementary school, I was known as the class artist. I loved to read and draw but I hated writing reports. Requirements such as outlines, perfect penmanship, and following directions killed my interest in putting words on paper. All those facts -- who cared what the principal products of Chile were? To me, writing reports was almost as boring as math.
Despite my dislike of writing, I loved to make up stories. Instead of telling them in words, I told them in pictures. My stories were usually about orphans who ran away and had the sort of exciting adventures I would have enjoyed if my mother hadn't always interfered.
When I was in junior high school, I developed an interest in more complex stories. I wanted to show how people felt, what they thought, what they said. For this, I needed words. Although I wasn't sure I was smart enough, I decided to write and illustrate children's books when I grew up. Consequently, at the age of thirteen, I began my first book. Small Town Life was about a girl named Susan, as tall and skinny and freckle faced as I was. Unlike her shy, self conscious creator, however, Susan was a leader who lived the life I wanted to live -- my ideal self, in other words. Although I never finished Small Town Life, it marked the start of a lifelong interest in writing.
In high school, I kept a diary. In college, I wrote poetry and short stories and dreamed of being published in The New Yorker. Unfortunately, I didn't have the courage or the confidence to send anything there.
By the time my first novel was published, I was 41 years old. That's how long it took me to get serious about writing. The Sara Summer took me a year to write, another year to find a publisher, and yet another year of revisions before Clarion accepted it.
Since Sara appeared in 1979, I've written an average of one book a year. If I have a plot firmly in mind when I begin, the writing goes fairly quickly. More typically, I start with a character or a situation and only a vague idea of what's going to happen. Therefore, I spend a lot of time revising and thinking things out. If I'd paid more attention to the craft of outlining back in elementary school, I might be a faster writer, but, on the other hand, if I knew everything that was going to happen in a story, I might be too bored to write it down. Writing is a journey of discovery. That's what makes it so exciting.
In elementary school, I was known as the class artist. I loved to read and draw but I hated writing reports. Requirements such as outlines, perfect penmanship, and following directions killed my interest in putting words on paper. All those facts -- who cared what the principal products of Chile were? To me, writing reports was almost as boring as math.
Despite my dislike of writing, I loved to make up stories. Instead of telling them in words, I told them in pictures. My stories were usually about orphans who ran away and had the sort of exciting adventures I would have enjoyed if my mother hadn't always interfered.
When I was in junior high school, I developed an interest in more complex stories. I wanted to show how people felt, what they thought, what they said. For this, I needed words. Although I wasn't sure I was smart enough, I decided to write and illustrate children's books when I grew up. Consequently, at the age of thirteen, I began my first book. Small Town Life was about a girl named Susan, as tall and skinny and freckle faced as I was. Unlike her shy, self conscious creator, however, Susan was a leader who lived the life I wanted to live -- my ideal self, in other words. Although I never finished Small Town Life, it marked the start of a lifelong interest in writing.
In high school, I kept a diary. In college, I wrote poetry and short stories and dreamed of being published in The New Yorker. Unfortunately, I didn't have the courage or the confidence to send anything there.
By the time my first novel was published, I was 41 years old. That's how long it took me to get serious about writing. The Sara Summer took me a year to write, another year to find a publisher, and yet another year of revisions before Clarion accepted it.
Since Sara appeared in 1979, I've written an average of one book a year. If I have a plot firmly in mind when I begin, the writing goes fairly quickly. More typically, I start with a character or a situation and only a vague idea of what's going to happen. Therefore, I spend a lot of time revising and thinking things out. If I'd paid more attention to the craft of outlining back in elementary school, I might be a faster writer, but, on the other hand, if I knew everything that was going to happen in a story, I might be too bored to write it down. Writing is a journey of discovery. That's what makes it so exciting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
October 21, 2014
There are some children's books that are universal. Meaning that adults can read them and enjoy them as much as children. Unfortunately, this didn't feel like that kind of book. Another unfortunate thing about this book is how it bears an uncomfortable resemblance to The Bridge to Terebithia. The book wasn't terrible, persay, but I wouldn't count it as great compared with other children's literature I've read in the past.
In all honesty, there just seemed to be a lot of problems with the book and how it was structured. The main character has almost an Ayn Rand philosophy: he refuses to do any work and all he does is daydream and draw or read all day, and then turns the teachers into the bad guys because they call him out on it. He assumes the worst out of everyone he meets and thinks a lot of negative thoughts about himself. There's a suggestion to get him in to see a psychiatrist but no follow-up, and honestly I think that could've helped him a lot.
I can understand what the author was trying to do here, I honestly do. This is a lonely boy who wants to escape from reality and clings to this fantasy about the Green Man. There's a sense of the mystical when he's in the woods and trying to show "real" verses the "unreal" worlds. but the boy is selfish and unfriendly, and I find it hard to believe that no teacher or adult figure tried to reach out and help him before now. Especially since this book takes place in the age of the internet (Facebook is mentioned). Before that set the time, I thought this was earlier in time. I don't know much about the foster system, but surely it's improved enough to help kids like Brendan.
And speaking of kids, how is it that the three bullies seem to terrorize the town and no adult does anything about it? There was a scene where an adult was watching the bullies, seemingly knowing they were troublemakers, but did nothing. There's only so far the realm of possibility reaches for me, and this book crossed it.
In all honesty, there just seemed to be a lot of problems with the book and how it was structured. The main character has almost an Ayn Rand philosophy: he refuses to do any work and all he does is daydream and draw or read all day, and then turns the teachers into the bad guys because they call him out on it. He assumes the worst out of everyone he meets and thinks a lot of negative thoughts about himself. There's a suggestion to get him in to see a psychiatrist but no follow-up, and honestly I think that could've helped him a lot.
I can understand what the author was trying to do here, I honestly do. This is a lonely boy who wants to escape from reality and clings to this fantasy about the Green Man. There's a sense of the mystical when he's in the woods and trying to show "real" verses the "unreal" worlds. but the boy is selfish and unfriendly, and I find it hard to believe that no teacher or adult figure tried to reach out and help him before now. Especially since this book takes place in the age of the internet (Facebook is mentioned). Before that set the time, I thought this was earlier in time. I don't know much about the foster system, but surely it's improved enough to help kids like Brendan.
And speaking of kids, how is it that the three bullies seem to terrorize the town and no adult does anything about it? There was a scene where an adult was watching the bullies, seemingly knowing they were troublemakers, but did nothing. There's only so far the realm of possibility reaches for me, and this book crossed it.
August 1, 2025
I was excited to read this more unusual title from MDH, whose leads are usually feminine and stories tend to be of the spooky variety. But here we have a book about a sixth-grade boy with a foster mother who has had it pretty rough. He’s obsessed with the Green Man and builds a treehouse in the woods. Things change when he has to go to summer school and he gets a new perspective on life.
Recommended for unlucky kids, young pagans and aging ones, too. The bullies in the book are Stephen King level. Somewhat unlikely that this young kid from present time knows specific Beatles and Bob Dylan songs, but on her 31st book MDH can pretty much do whatever she wants. I loved it.
Recommended for unlucky kids, young pagans and aging ones, too. The bullies in the book are Stephen King level. Somewhat unlikely that this young kid from present time knows specific Beatles and Bob Dylan songs, but on her 31st book MDH can pretty much do whatever she wants. I loved it.
January 1, 2015
Book #126 Read in 2014
Where I Belong by Mary Downing Hahn (YA)
Brendan is having trouble fitting in at school; he is considered the weird kid. He would rather hang out in the treehouse he built than hang with the other kids. He meets a man who he believes to be the mythical Green Man and Brendan eventually makes another friend of the new girl from summer school--Shea. Brendan is bullied and feels as if his foster mother does not understand him. He finds solace in nature and books. Nothing really prepares him for the understanding that not fitting in can actually put him at great risk. This was a good, quick read and I think middle schoolers would enjoy it. I borrowed this book from my town library.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Where I Belong by Mary Downing Hahn (YA)
Brendan is having trouble fitting in at school; he is considered the weird kid. He would rather hang out in the treehouse he built than hang with the other kids. He meets a man who he believes to be the mythical Green Man and Brendan eventually makes another friend of the new girl from summer school--Shea. Brendan is bullied and feels as if his foster mother does not understand him. He finds solace in nature and books. Nothing really prepares him for the understanding that not fitting in can actually put him at great risk. This was a good, quick read and I think middle schoolers would enjoy it. I borrowed this book from my town library.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
February 17, 2020
This book is nothing like the authors other books. Her other books are about ghosts and other scary things. This book was about a young foster boy and how he feels to be outside of everything and being bullied.
I loved that Brendan lived somewhere around Roanoke VA and his friend talked about going to Virginia Beach, King's Dominion (amusement park), rafting on the Shenandoah River, and being able to see the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The "magical" element in this book is Brendan believes there is a forest man named Green Man. He takes care of the trees, the animals, and anyone who loves the forest too. Brendan believes that an old man that he finds in the woods is the Green Man.
TW: Brendan is bullied by 3 older boys and they beat him and cut off his hair. They also mistreat animals and bully some older homeless men in the park. With all this going on with Brendan, where are the police? He is a foster boy and after he is beaten and gets very sick why isn't the social services coming to check on him?
The book is very well written and Mary Downing Hahn is one of my favorite authors. This book was just ok for me. But it did bring a tear to my eye at the end.
I loved that Brendan lived somewhere around Roanoke VA and his friend talked about going to Virginia Beach, King's Dominion (amusement park), rafting on the Shenandoah River, and being able to see the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The "magical" element in this book is Brendan believes there is a forest man named Green Man. He takes care of the trees, the animals, and anyone who loves the forest too. Brendan believes that an old man that he finds in the woods is the Green Man.
TW: Brendan is bullied by 3 older boys and they beat him and cut off his hair. They also mistreat animals and bully some older homeless men in the park. With all this going on with Brendan, where are the police? He is a foster boy and after he is beaten and gets very sick why isn't the social services coming to check on him?
The book is very well written and Mary Downing Hahn is one of my favorite authors. This book was just ok for me. But it did bring a tear to my eye at the end.
August 8, 2018
Where I Belong by Mary Downing Hahn was by far the best book I've ever read it was suspenseful and gave me chills though out the book it was intense in some parts but one of the greatest books I've read.
--Isabella A., PWPLS Teen Summer Reader
Click here to find the book at the Prince William County Public Library System.
--Isabella A., PWPLS Teen Summer Reader
Click here to find the book at the Prince William County Public Library System.
July 3, 2016
Several reviews criticized this book because of the main character's "Ayn Rand" philosophy of life, however I thought it was extremely insightful. The author studies and validates the thoughts and dreams of her outsiders (vs the "real Lifers") while acknowledging that this type of behavior often leads to homelessness and hopeless situations. Yet her characters are not hopeless. They are flawed (some very deeply) and struggling to find a balance between being true to themselves and also having some measure of success in life. For some, "success" is the normal American Dream. For others it is raising a difficult child, making a real friend, or just staying safe.
I did think the band of teenagers who are actually murderers and jewelry thieves but no adult could control them was ridiculous.
I did think the band of teenagers who are actually murderers and jewelry thieves but no adult could control them was ridiculous.
January 19, 2015
http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
This reviewer called Where I Belong "gentle and moving." I would agree that Brendan's relationship with Shea and the homeless "Green Man" were interesting to watch develop, but other than that, the plot of the novel seemed rather boring to me. I'm afraid it's been awhile since I've read a book written for 9-12 year olds, so I'm not sure what to consider a "good" or "bad" novel from their eyes. Basically, I agree with the Booklist reviewer about the well-crafted characters, but the actual story line was entirely too predictable.
This reviewer called Where I Belong "gentle and moving." I would agree that Brendan's relationship with Shea and the homeless "Green Man" were interesting to watch develop, but other than that, the plot of the novel seemed rather boring to me. I'm afraid it's been awhile since I've read a book written for 9-12 year olds, so I'm not sure what to consider a "good" or "bad" novel from their eyes. Basically, I agree with the Booklist reviewer about the well-crafted characters, but the actual story line was entirely too predictable.
October 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't like how Brendan's classmates were so mean to him just because he has long hair. You shouldn't judge someone because they do or have something that you don't like. However, I did like when Brendan made a friend in summer school named Shea. She liked him for who he was and did not try to change him in any way. I thought this book taught a good lesson and I recommend it to anyone who has ever been bullied. You should never try to change the way you are because someone else doesn't like you because soon enough you will find someone who is willing to be your friend through thick in thin no matter what you look like.
April 8, 2018
Mary Downing Hahn constantly surprises me. She is best-known and beloved for her middle-grade ghost stories, but has branched out to include other genres and themes. This book reads like a bildungsroman, where you sympathize with the plights of Brendan and Shea. It was, I regret to say, entirely predictable and not what I would call a shining example of this author's work.
November 10, 2014
I always enjoy Mary Downing Hahn's books. This is one that I feel a lot of my students could relate to.
Read
February 6, 2020(SPOILER ALERT) where i belong is a book about a little boy and a girl that always loved to explore,they always went to the park after school, because Brendan didn't like going home because he didn't like his foster mom, but one day when they went to the park something was off, someone was following them the whole time going to park, It was a group of people from there school that bullied everyone,everyday at school he got bullied. One day they met an old homeless man,they began to be best friends and they always brought him food and other needs.
The main characters in this book are Brendan,Shea,and the homeless man. Brendan thinks there is a thing called “the green man” because everytime he goes to the woods in the park to his tree house and he always sees this man always singing to trees and always talking to the animals, and he always read fairy tail books.shea is a little girl brendan met at summer school, also liked going to the park after school because she had a lot of family issues and going to the park makes her feel safe. The homeless man/green man is a old man that lives in the park,he sleeps on benches and he also made an illegal place underground, the only reason why the place is illegal is because it was in the park and if the city saw he made a living space out of the park hed get forced to leave and never come back, One day the old man got jumped by the bullies and put him in the hospital and he ended up dying, Brendan and Shea ended being really upset.
I relate to the characters because I used to be homeless and I had a lot of family issues. The only thing that helped me was listening to music so I could block everything out.
After all this book is a really good book,but it gets really sad during the end. My favorite part of the book is when they all met because they all brought each other happiness,and always hung out and had a really tight relationship.I don't really dislike anything about this book, but if I had to say something that I disliked about this book would be that she should've given the old man actual name.Mary did a really good at giving this book a big sad turning point,because it added more action in the book.
After all, I would recommend this book because it has a good meaning in this book and that is that you should not judge people by their looks because most people have more in their heart than their looks. I think the people that would like this book are the type of people that like happy stories that have a sad twist.
The main characters in this book are Brendan,Shea,and the homeless man. Brendan thinks there is a thing called “the green man” because everytime he goes to the woods in the park to his tree house and he always sees this man always singing to trees and always talking to the animals, and he always read fairy tail books.shea is a little girl brendan met at summer school, also liked going to the park after school because she had a lot of family issues and going to the park makes her feel safe. The homeless man/green man is a old man that lives in the park,he sleeps on benches and he also made an illegal place underground, the only reason why the place is illegal is because it was in the park and if the city saw he made a living space out of the park hed get forced to leave and never come back, One day the old man got jumped by the bullies and put him in the hospital and he ended up dying, Brendan and Shea ended being really upset.
I relate to the characters because I used to be homeless and I had a lot of family issues. The only thing that helped me was listening to music so I could block everything out.
After all this book is a really good book,but it gets really sad during the end. My favorite part of the book is when they all met because they all brought each other happiness,and always hung out and had a really tight relationship.I don't really dislike anything about this book, but if I had to say something that I disliked about this book would be that she should've given the old man actual name.Mary did a really good at giving this book a big sad turning point,because it added more action in the book.
After all, I would recommend this book because it has a good meaning in this book and that is that you should not judge people by their looks because most people have more in their heart than their looks. I think the people that would like this book are the type of people that like happy stories that have a sad twist.
October 3, 2021
I’m a question at midnight, a few words whispered by the wind, a blurred reflection in rippling water, a voice in falling rain.
Not everybody craves the normalcy of life; the cars, the houses, the money. Some enjoy chasing dreams and enjoying the silent breeze of nature buried deep in the forest. Twelve year old foster child Brendan Doyle is the latter, while his new foster mother; Mrs. Clancy is headfirst interested one real life and not fairy tales. The two constantly buttheads, especially when it comes to school and Brendan’s lack on interest in any subject that’s not art. As he’s about to flunk the sixth grade and repeat it, she enrolls him in summer classes to get him caught up enough for the fall. It’ll be there that he meets Shea Browne, another troubled youth who craves a friend as well. Her of a mixed family where her real father died in Afghanistan, and he a boy who’s mother high off of drugs just left him in a hospital as an infant. The two spiral into a friendship while they began to chase the dream of the Green Man; a god who Protected the forest and all things in it. Fast forward and we meet Edward “Ed” Calhoun, who would play this viral roll as the Green Man to the two youngster, inspiring them in countless ways. To many he was simply a bum on the streets, past, a nuisance. Yet to the two children he was so much more than that; the Green Man, their adopted grandfather. They built their treehouses in the largest tree in the forest, yet a powerful storm was enough to crash it down. It wouldn’t be until Ed was beaten severely and passed away with pneumonia, that the two would truly become best friends. As they stumbled from the funeral into the woods, they met up in Ed’s old shack, finding his box of medals from the military and swearing to Keep the legacy of the Green Man alive. Reporting to the police the names of the three boys who attacked him as well, now they’re prepping to face imprisonments. As the story comes together, both Shea and Brendan passed the summer classes, both their futures finally bright.
As soon as you let yourself believe something, you’re bound to be disappointed.
I hear Mr. Hailey say, He was a man like everyone else. Mortal.
She loves asking the big questions about Life. Which of course is her concept of the real world. Life is the place you go to die before you die. Life turns you into a boring person who has a job he hates. Life dries up your brain. Life makes you think money and success are important. Life is for grownups. I don’t plan to go there.
Not everybody craves the normalcy of life; the cars, the houses, the money. Some enjoy chasing dreams and enjoying the silent breeze of nature buried deep in the forest. Twelve year old foster child Brendan Doyle is the latter, while his new foster mother; Mrs. Clancy is headfirst interested one real life and not fairy tales. The two constantly buttheads, especially when it comes to school and Brendan’s lack on interest in any subject that’s not art. As he’s about to flunk the sixth grade and repeat it, she enrolls him in summer classes to get him caught up enough for the fall. It’ll be there that he meets Shea Browne, another troubled youth who craves a friend as well. Her of a mixed family where her real father died in Afghanistan, and he a boy who’s mother high off of drugs just left him in a hospital as an infant. The two spiral into a friendship while they began to chase the dream of the Green Man; a god who Protected the forest and all things in it. Fast forward and we meet Edward “Ed” Calhoun, who would play this viral roll as the Green Man to the two youngster, inspiring them in countless ways. To many he was simply a bum on the streets, past, a nuisance. Yet to the two children he was so much more than that; the Green Man, their adopted grandfather. They built their treehouses in the largest tree in the forest, yet a powerful storm was enough to crash it down. It wouldn’t be until Ed was beaten severely and passed away with pneumonia, that the two would truly become best friends. As they stumbled from the funeral into the woods, they met up in Ed’s old shack, finding his box of medals from the military and swearing to Keep the legacy of the Green Man alive. Reporting to the police the names of the three boys who attacked him as well, now they’re prepping to face imprisonments. As the story comes together, both Shea and Brendan passed the summer classes, both their futures finally bright.
As soon as you let yourself believe something, you’re bound to be disappointed.
I hear Mr. Hailey say, He was a man like everyone else. Mortal.
She loves asking the big questions about Life. Which of course is her concept of the real world. Life is the place you go to die before you die. Life turns you into a boring person who has a job he hates. Life dries up your brain. Life makes you think money and success are important. Life is for grownups. I don’t plan to go there.
July 14, 2024
With this being my 13th, yes 13th book by this author.....I was drawn to tears again! I cannot wait to read everything I can get my hands on that is written by Hahn. Read it.
6th grader Brendan Doyle wants to live in the world of The Hobbit, and though he is raised by a foster parent, and being a kid who only knew of his birth mother, he is on a mission.....to make it to the 7th grade.
Brendan is a quiet boy who is so shy and introverted to the fact that he believes in the unbelievable, and this is going to be the Summer that will change his life. He lives in Virginia and in the poorer side of town. He is severely bullied by the neighborhoods teen age thugs, and we are talking badly bullied. He has very long hair and is mistaken as being a girl all the time. One day he escapes to the woods to find the perfect tree to build a tree house, one where he will be able to just escape from the world of bullies, drugs, and crime, and read his books. This is when he sees the strangest thing in the woods near the perfect find of a tree. He sees what he believes is the Green Man. The green man is the man who has always protected the trees, animals and the great forests; and yet Brendan is scared of him. Why and what does he whisper to him about? Why is his school teacher so mean? Why does his foster Mother never have time to really see who Brendan is? When he meets a new girl in Summer school by the name of Shay, and who just happens to be a girl of color, he becomes friends with her in the way that every kid should be friends with someone, BEST friends.
This is the summer that will become the one that both Brendan and Shay learn things about the world around them and what it means to be just who you are and to live and exist 'Where I Belong'.
Hahn writes with a pen of mystery, beauty, wonder and hope for a world of thrills, and realness that only she can write! I have LOVED every single book of hers that I have read and now again this is one that made we well up in tears in the most heartwarming but heart wrenching at the same time. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a GREAT coming of age, and story of childhood and one that I will never forget. I will always remember the 'green man'.
5 Stars
6th grader Brendan Doyle wants to live in the world of The Hobbit, and though he is raised by a foster parent, and being a kid who only knew of his birth mother, he is on a mission.....to make it to the 7th grade.
Brendan is a quiet boy who is so shy and introverted to the fact that he believes in the unbelievable, and this is going to be the Summer that will change his life. He lives in Virginia and in the poorer side of town. He is severely bullied by the neighborhoods teen age thugs, and we are talking badly bullied. He has very long hair and is mistaken as being a girl all the time. One day he escapes to the woods to find the perfect tree to build a tree house, one where he will be able to just escape from the world of bullies, drugs, and crime, and read his books. This is when he sees the strangest thing in the woods near the perfect find of a tree. He sees what he believes is the Green Man. The green man is the man who has always protected the trees, animals and the great forests; and yet Brendan is scared of him. Why and what does he whisper to him about? Why is his school teacher so mean? Why does his foster Mother never have time to really see who Brendan is? When he meets a new girl in Summer school by the name of Shay, and who just happens to be a girl of color, he becomes friends with her in the way that every kid should be friends with someone, BEST friends.
This is the summer that will become the one that both Brendan and Shay learn things about the world around them and what it means to be just who you are and to live and exist 'Where I Belong'.
Hahn writes with a pen of mystery, beauty, wonder and hope for a world of thrills, and realness that only she can write! I have LOVED every single book of hers that I have read and now again this is one that made we well up in tears in the most heartwarming but heart wrenching at the same time. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a GREAT coming of age, and story of childhood and one that I will never forget. I will always remember the 'green man'.
5 Stars
July 25, 2021
Where I Belong tells the story of Brendan, a foster child with no friends or family. His world gets turned upside down when he fails 6th grade and must attend summer school to move on. He’s had a terrible experience in school, he likely has an undiagnosed learning disability, and has no interest in going to 7th grade. However, summer school interferes with his plans to hang out in his special tree house in the forest, where he has met the Green Man, the spirit of the forest. As Brendan spends time with the Green Man and his new friend from summer school, he has to learn to be vulnerable and honest, even about the parts of his life that he doesn’t want to face. A brutal attack and a harsh realization help Brendan face the truth and move from childhood to middle school with the support of his new friends and teacher. The author’s approach to the moment we need to shed our childhood innocence and move to the next stage of life is full of emotion.
March 3, 2023
I love Mary Downing Hahn and her ability to capture real world issues onto paper.
Through Brendan's eyes, we meet the Green Man. The Green Man is the protector of the forest and all of it's inhabitants. For a bullied foster child like Brendan, the forest is the one place he feels he belongs.
This story tackles the feeling of displacement. Brendan and Shea become fast friends because, at the tender age of twelve, they've realized just how unfair both of their situations are.
When trouble - real, scary trouble - arises, they turn towards each other and Green Man for help.
I love the theme of found family - Shea, Brendan, and the Green Man. I love that , even after all is revealed, they continued to be close and support each other.
I feel that the book (overall) needed a bit more direction. I also felt like there needed to be a bit more resolution.
(I'm apologize for being vague. I don't want to spoil anything!)
Through Brendan's eyes, we meet the Green Man. The Green Man is the protector of the forest and all of it's inhabitants. For a bullied foster child like Brendan, the forest is the one place he feels he belongs.
This story tackles the feeling of displacement. Brendan and Shea become fast friends because, at the tender age of twelve, they've realized just how unfair both of their situations are.
When trouble - real, scary trouble - arises, they turn towards each other and Green Man for help.
I love the theme of found family - Shea, Brendan, and the Green Man. I love that , even after all is revealed, they continued to be close and support each other.
I feel that the book (overall) needed a bit more direction. I also felt like there needed to be a bit more resolution.
(I'm apologize for being vague. I don't want to spoil anything!)
November 19, 2016
To be honest, I don't know how this book came into my hands. It's not a library book, and I did not buy it. I also know no one has loaned it to me. I saw the cover on my 'to be read pile', didn't have a book to read and had time, and before I knew it I was done reading it.
This is a great middle-grade story about three characters and the forest, three characters and life outside the forest, three characters vs evil, three characters and acceptance and compromise. Two of the characters are laying the foundation for their lives, one of the characters shines at the end of his.
This is a great book (yes, once again I write 'great book') by an author I did not know, even though I read on the back of the book that she is "among today's best-loved authors of fiction for young readers". I will definitely be reading more books by her.
This is a great middle-grade story about three characters and the forest, three characters and life outside the forest, three characters vs evil, three characters and acceptance and compromise. Two of the characters are laying the foundation for their lives, one of the characters shines at the end of his.
This is a great book (yes, once again I write 'great book') by an author I did not know, even though I read on the back of the book that she is "among today's best-loved authors of fiction for young readers". I will definitely be reading more books by her.
June 15, 2019
Brendan has been in and out of foster care homes his whole life. His birth mother abandoned him in the hospital after she gave birth. He has no clue where his mother or father are. Now, in 6th grade he lives with Mrs. Clancy. She meets his basic needs, but is aloof, mentally absent, and old.
Brendan skirts by. He is smart, but doesn't really care. He is flunking 6th grade and needs to go to summer school to pass. He spends his time in the forest, creating art, and escaping bullies. He find an old bum in the forest, but Brendan believes he is The Green Man of folklore. He is Brendan's only friend until Shea comes along. She also is in summer school. And, she is also escaping a dreadful home life.
The trio bonds, but bullies are relentless. Their story ends in both tragedy and triumph. And, a whole new outlook, filled with self-confidence and lingering sorrow, in Brendan.
Brendan skirts by. He is smart, but doesn't really care. He is flunking 6th grade and needs to go to summer school to pass. He spends his time in the forest, creating art, and escaping bullies. He find an old bum in the forest, but Brendan believes he is The Green Man of folklore. He is Brendan's only friend until Shea comes along. She also is in summer school. And, she is also escaping a dreadful home life.
The trio bonds, but bullies are relentless. Their story ends in both tragedy and triumph. And, a whole new outlook, filled with self-confidence and lingering sorrow, in Brendan.
never-finished
June 24, 2024I got almost halfway through this before deciding against finishing it. I just didn't like the main character that much. I realize that he'd never learned how to be a friend, which is why he was kind of a crappy one (at best), but knowing that didn't make me any more eager to spend time with him (unlike the main character in "In Other Lands" who was also a crappy friend due to never having had one, but was so over-the-top hilarious I forgave him). In some ways, this main character reminded me of a character from an "Ancestor Approved" story about a kid who was never going to do well in school, but who had a connection to the natural world that was worth far more. That story worked a lot better for me than this one. I might pick up the print version of this to see how it ended. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
September 12, 2024
I first read this book in middle school, and it was an instant favorite for young me. As someone with a not so favorable childhood, I heavily related to a main character who had family, school, and bully struggles. I loved how these things were represented, and thought the main character's personality represented a kid going through that kinda stuff pretty well.
I also related with his sense of imagination and longing to escape reality.
I know there are some small bits and pieces of this story that are slightly more unrealistic, but one thing to keep in mind; it is a story aimed at a younger audience. I wouldn't expect someone to like it if they were older, and especially if they couldn't fully relate or understand the main character.
I do plan to reread it as an adult since it held such a positive spot in my preteen years.
I also related with his sense of imagination and longing to escape reality.
I know there are some small bits and pieces of this story that are slightly more unrealistic, but one thing to keep in mind; it is a story aimed at a younger audience. I wouldn't expect someone to like it if they were older, and especially if they couldn't fully relate or understand the main character.
I do plan to reread it as an adult since it held such a positive spot in my preteen years.
March 1, 2019
I really enjoyed this novel. I don't normally read middle grade because I am well above the targeted age group. I remember this author from my childhood and I read a couple of her books like 'The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall'. I've seen other reviewers talk about how this isn't totally appropriate for young children. Though I can see some parts where it shows habit that we don't want children to emulate, I don't think this is a book you shouldn't let you children or student read. I still think that I and many of my friends in sixth grade would have enjoyed this book. It's like 'Bridge To Terabithia' and 'A Monster Calls', it's a darker middle grade novel that shows some of the not-so-pretty things of life and that isn't bad.
September 27, 2025
This was my first book by Mary Downing Hahn, and I’m not sure it was the best place to start. It took me a while to get into the story, and even though my opinion improved a bit towards the end, it still wasn’t my favourite. I’ve heard a lot of positive things about Hahn’s work, so I’m definitely willing to try another one of her books in the future.
I enjoy reading books that could resonate with my middle school students, especially those from diverse backgrounds, and this one definitely hits that mark. However, I think even my class would have found the pacing a bit slow, expecting more action or drama. That said, the way the book wrapped up did change my overall impression, and I’m glad I stuck with it to the end.
I enjoy reading books that could resonate with my middle school students, especially those from diverse backgrounds, and this one definitely hits that mark. However, I think even my class would have found the pacing a bit slow, expecting more action or drama. That said, the way the book wrapped up did change my overall impression, and I’m glad I stuck with it to the end.
April 20, 2018
This book is definitely hard to put down once you get into which is basically a chapter in. The addition and twists of the character Shea was definitely needed to complete the lesson i believe the author was trying to teach us with this book. Although I did say lesson instead of lessons there is definitely more than one. The book is exceptionally great and the messages it conveys are important, especially to the audience that this book appeals to. One of the best books i have read in awhile.
December 17, 2019
I loved most of Mary Downing Hahn’s books. I especially loved all of her paranormal books. Unfortunately, this was not one of them.
I’m really not trying to be mean, but this reads as the typical sob story. It has all of those elements of the children’s sad story and it felt like that at the beginning.
However, it somewhat redeemed itself. I liked how he built relationships with the people around him, and it had a sad, but good ending.
I’m really not trying to be mean, but this reads as the typical sob story. It has all of those elements of the children’s sad story and it felt like that at the beginning.
However, it somewhat redeemed itself. I liked how he built relationships with the people around him, and it had a sad, but good ending.
April 24, 2022
This was a great & interesting story. From my experience working with children in schools, I feel the character’s lack of caring was hard, but very realistic- especially for a foster kid. And if you read the whole book through, he does turn it around. It doesn’t mean it’s not a good story if a reader can’t personally relate to the character. He is a 12 yo kid telling the story from a kid’s point of view after all… not an adult’s.
July 3, 2024
I was unfamiliar with this older Hahn title, and was surprised it didn't really follow the "scary story" trope of her newer titles that I'm used to. I loved the character development and I loved the focus on characters with struggles. Probably one that I'd purchase, even though it's older, to appeal to reluctant readers and fans of Orbiting Jupiter.
October 15, 2017
I really liked this book. But some of it was really confusing. Sometimes I thought the details were being repeated over and over and I kind of wanted something more out of it. Other than that this book was amazing and I really enjoyed it!
January 5, 2018
The book was fine. I like this author because I enjoy the scary thriller writing. This book wasn't that at all. Had I gone into it knowing it was not a thriller, I would say I liked it more. Not a bad book, just not a normal book for this author.
April 10, 2019
This book will melt your heart. Every single character paints a vital role to the story but none more profound than the two children. On the brink of growing up, but still clinging to childhood this amazing duo will make your imagination soar.
September 27, 2022
I cried when Ed died. I love about the relationship that built between Brendan & Shea with the help from Ed, the Green Man. Some people seems like a bum, but they are just another angel that live in this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
No offense to my queen but I was hoping for something different, more in line with her spookier stuff. It's not a bad book, and I'm sure it might help some readers, but I don't think it'll stay with me.
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