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Walking Home
Set in both the wilds and slums of Kenya, a powerful story about a brother and sister's brave journey to find a place to call home.
13-year-old Muchoki and his younger sister, Jata, can barely recognize what's become of their lives. Only weeks ago they lived in a bustling Kenyan village, going to school, playing soccer with friends, and helping at their parents' store. But sudden political violence has killed their father and destroyed their home. Now, Muchoki, Jata, and their ailing mother live in a tent in an overcrowded refugee camp. By day, they try to fend off hunger and boredom. By night, their fears about the future are harder to keep at bay. Driven by both hope and desperation, Muchoki and Jata set off on what seems like an impossible journey: to walk hundreds of kilometers to find their last remaining family.
13-year-old Muchoki and his younger sister, Jata, can barely recognize what's become of their lives. Only weeks ago they lived in a bustling Kenyan village, going to school, playing soccer with friends, and helping at their parents' store. But sudden political violence has killed their father and destroyed their home. Now, Muchoki, Jata, and their ailing mother live in a tent in an overcrowded refugee camp. By day, they try to fend off hunger and boredom. By night, their fears about the future are harder to keep at bay. Driven by both hope and desperation, Muchoki and Jata set off on what seems like an impossible journey: to walk hundreds of kilometers to find their last remaining family.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2014
51 people are currently reading
959 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
156 books907 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
December 21, 2014
It is a rare talent for an author to weave a story that is mature enough for young adults and yet still appropriate for children, however Mr. Walters has succeeded in this task magnificently. I could not put this book down, I was up all night reading it, desperate to find out how Muchoki and Jatat's journey ended.
I can't remember the last book I read where the main characters were so loveable. This had me rooting for them the entire time. Jata is a little ray of sunshine that often had me chuckling, and Muchoki is just an amazing child with characteristics that many adults, including myself would be wise to try and copy.
I think that this book should be in every middle grade curriculum and I would strongly recommend this book to children and young adults alike. 5/5
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2018
In “Walking Home” by Eric Walters he shows the journey of a family who gets split apart trying to find a safe place away from the war. Muchoki a 13 year old boy who wants to find more about the war in his village. Is trying to become a leader for his family. His mother and father have died and now it’s only him and his sister. Muchoki has came up with a plan to leave the refugee camp to walk to his grandparents house which is far away. While reading this book I have realized that Muchoki would do whatever he can to protect his sister. He sacrifices his food and water when he hadn't ate in days to give to his sister evening if she was not hungry. His sister never knew that he was hungry, but she would split whatever he gave to her back to him.I think the sacrifices and determination to protect his sister is what got him through the journey to find his grandparents. Muchoki also had great manners. At the end of the book he asked someone who looked like they were struggling with pots and pans if they needed help. He took the pots and helped the guy get back to his house. Muchoki did not know the guy just out of kindness he helped the guy. The guy invited Muchoki and his sister into his house to give him food and a ride to his grandparents village. This book shows me so much about how manners and kindness cold get you in so many places.
March 16, 2018
A heart-warming story of two African orphans finding their way home, written for middle schoolers. Muchoki and Jata are living in a refugee camp with their malaria-stricken mother, following their narrow escape and their father's death, when their village was attacked by another Kenyan tribe. When the mother dies and the two are threatened with separation, they flee on foot helped by a guard befriended by Muchoki. In fact, Muchoki's kindness and generosity saves them again and again on their perilous journey, and he keeps his sister calm by his vision of a string showing him the way to their mother's family. Positive themes are emphasized throughout.
November 21, 2014
I did receive my copy of the book through the Goodreads First Reads program. However, my experience with this novel went beyond the book itself as the book directed me to visit ericwalterswalkinghome.com (the companion website). The site includes pictures, maps, audio clips and so, so, so much information. If you or your child is planning on reading this, you must check this out!
This is a clever and emotionally touching novel. It's written at the right level for a grade 6-8 reader, while still containing lessons I would do well to remember as an adult.
One of the main struggles the main character has is with the concept of "God's will" and determining what actions are justified in a land ridden with violence. All of the main characters are quite mature, so I really enjoyed reading from their perspective. However, I could still see myself recommending this to someone much younger. What a rare treat!
The writing itself is superb, but when I consider the fact that half the proceeds of this book are going to the Creation of Hope charity and that there is a fantastic companion website already created, I would go beyond recommending this for personal reading and recommend teachers to consider this book for teaching in their classrooms.
This is a clever and emotionally touching novel. It's written at the right level for a grade 6-8 reader, while still containing lessons I would do well to remember as an adult.
One of the main struggles the main character has is with the concept of "God's will" and determining what actions are justified in a land ridden with violence. All of the main characters are quite mature, so I really enjoyed reading from their perspective. However, I could still see myself recommending this to someone much younger. What a rare treat!
The writing itself is superb, but when I consider the fact that half the proceeds of this book are going to the Creation of Hope charity and that there is a fantastic companion website already created, I would go beyond recommending this for personal reading and recommend teachers to consider this book for teaching in their classrooms.
May 21, 2021
13 year-old Muchoki once lived a peaceful life with his father, mother and sister in Eldoret, Kenya. In just 5 weeks his life has changed entirely. His father has been killed, his home destroyed, and he now lives in a refugee camp with his mother and sister. This was all due to the political violence caused by Kenya's 2007 presidential election.
Only about 5 weeks into their stay in the camp their mother dies of malaria. In order to avoid being split up and sent to different orphanages, Muchoki decides that he and his younger sister, Jata, must leave. His mother used to tell him stories about her Kamba parents who she left long ago and never returned to, afraid she wouldn’t be welcomed back. Muchoki realizes that his mother’s long lost family is the only family he has left. So, Muchoki and Jata set out for Kikima, Kenya, the home of their grandparents. To assure Jata that he knows where he is going, Muchoki says he is “following the string,” referring to the creation story of the Kamba people.
During their long walk Muchoki and Jata meet many new people, experience new things, and face danger after danger. Muchoki is always vigilant, always planning ahead, and always wary of others. He has seen some of the worst in humanity; violence, hatred and extreme poverty. He and Jata also experience the kindness of strangers as many people help them along their way, people they would have never expected. People of the different, sometimes opposing tribes offer them food, guidance and protection for parts of their journey. Muchoki’s views on the tribes of Kenya begin to change, and he begins to see his fellow Kenyans as just that, Kenyans.
As the minister in a church Muchoki and Jata stopped at said,
For this book Eric Walters, and his group of four children from the Creation of Hope orphanage, four young Canadians, and his friend Henry Kyatha walked the same route that his characters Muchoki and Jata travelled. It was the summer of 2011 and along the way they recorded and photographed much of their trip.
Eric Walters created a digital companion for this novel. Here he shares some of his notes from the trip, describes his inspiration for the story and characters, and explains why he makes his characters do certain things. He also includes some of the pictures and videos taken on the trip to show readers exactly what these places look like, and give us a visual glimpse into the daily lives and living conditions of the people of Kenya. Some videos were kind of hard to watch, like when they travelled through Kibera slum in Nairobi. Kibera is still considered the largest urban slum in Africa, and one of the top five largest in the world. It’s hard to imagine living like this and never knowing anything different. He also includes several articles that explain the political problems in Kenya, the many Kenyan tribes and their history, refugee camps, malaria and general Kenyan culture. It was all very interesting and definitely enhanced my reading experience.
I loved how Eric and his crew dedicated a day of their walk to Terry Fox. Terry Fox is one of Eric Walters’ heroes, being a fellow Canadian and all. Through the digital companion website I learned a lot about Eric, who is one of my favourite authors.
This is a great book to learn more about Kenya, it’s people and culture, and experience the aftermath of the 2008 political violence through the eyes of two children.
”I do not know why those men did what they did, but evil overtook them--just as it overtook those Kikuyu who killed other people simply because they were of another tribe. Evil was waiting for that moment to come forth… The devil speaks to us in moments of desperation, but we decide if we are going to be his instrument, the weapons of evil” - Muchoki.
Only about 5 weeks into their stay in the camp their mother dies of malaria. In order to avoid being split up and sent to different orphanages, Muchoki decides that he and his younger sister, Jata, must leave. His mother used to tell him stories about her Kamba parents who she left long ago and never returned to, afraid she wouldn’t be welcomed back. Muchoki realizes that his mother’s long lost family is the only family he has left. So, Muchoki and Jata set out for Kikima, Kenya, the home of their grandparents. To assure Jata that he knows where he is going, Muchoki says he is “following the string,” referring to the creation story of the Kamba people.
During their long walk Muchoki and Jata meet many new people, experience new things, and face danger after danger. Muchoki is always vigilant, always planning ahead, and always wary of others. He has seen some of the worst in humanity; violence, hatred and extreme poverty. He and Jata also experience the kindness of strangers as many people help them along their way, people they would have never expected. People of the different, sometimes opposing tribes offer them food, guidance and protection for parts of their journey. Muchoki’s views on the tribes of Kenya begin to change, and he begins to see his fellow Kenyans as just that, Kenyans.
As the minister in a church Muchoki and Jata stopped at said,
“Jesus said, ‘Love thy neighbour.’ He did not say, ‘Love some of thy neighbours.’ He did not say, ‘Love only your Kikuyu neighbours…’ When Moses went to the mountain to receive the Commandments, God did not simply speak to him. Words can be misremembered and misspoken. God did not simply right the Commandments on parchment, because parchment can be ripped. He did not simply write the Commandments on wood, because wood can be burned. He wrote the Commandments on stone, because stone is eternal… I know that the Commandment does not say, ‘Thou shalt not kill a Kikuyu.’ It simply states ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ If each of us is precious to God--then who am I, who are any of us, to take that life and kill God’s image” (181-182)?
For this book Eric Walters, and his group of four children from the Creation of Hope orphanage, four young Canadians, and his friend Henry Kyatha walked the same route that his characters Muchoki and Jata travelled. It was the summer of 2011 and along the way they recorded and photographed much of their trip.
Eric Walters created a digital companion for this novel. Here he shares some of his notes from the trip, describes his inspiration for the story and characters, and explains why he makes his characters do certain things. He also includes some of the pictures and videos taken on the trip to show readers exactly what these places look like, and give us a visual glimpse into the daily lives and living conditions of the people of Kenya. Some videos were kind of hard to watch, like when they travelled through Kibera slum in Nairobi. Kibera is still considered the largest urban slum in Africa, and one of the top five largest in the world. It’s hard to imagine living like this and never knowing anything different. He also includes several articles that explain the political problems in Kenya, the many Kenyan tribes and their history, refugee camps, malaria and general Kenyan culture. It was all very interesting and definitely enhanced my reading experience.
I loved how Eric and his crew dedicated a day of their walk to Terry Fox. Terry Fox is one of Eric Walters’ heroes, being a fellow Canadian and all. Through the digital companion website I learned a lot about Eric, who is one of my favourite authors.
This is a great book to learn more about Kenya, it’s people and culture, and experience the aftermath of the 2008 political violence through the eyes of two children.
”I do not know why those men did what they did, but evil overtook them--just as it overtook those Kikuyu who killed other people simply because they were of another tribe. Evil was waiting for that moment to come forth… The devil speaks to us in moments of desperation, but we decide if we are going to be his instrument, the weapons of evil” - Muchoki.
April 2, 2018
Why are the best books always the hardest to review? Perhaps it's hard to articulate something as intangible and ephemeral as a feeling. Especially when the English language is restricted to synonyms / variations of happy, sad and angry.
I cannot recall a novel that so strongly imbued me with a desire to survive.
One reason Walking Home clawed open my chest and set up camp in my heart is because my Dad immigrated to America from West Africa for college a million years ago. I just realized he was about the same age I am now 20/21. My dad would often tell us of the miles walked barefoot to a well to draw water. About the miles walked to the family farm to help his Dad after school. About a family of 11 in a space too small for 2.
One thing that has always amazed me about North African, Middle Eastern and South Asian countries are real life recounts of walking on a path that's daunting in distance alone. Not to mention dangers like daunting animals, thugs, soldiers and people of one group who hate people of your group. As Jata and Jomo walked hundreds of kilometers through Kenya uncertain if the road's dangers would overtake them, I thought of my Dad. I thought about the possibility of a 21st century event that forces humans in first world countries to flee the places full of firsts. First grade, first child, first basement flood, first love, first friendship, first real home.
I've always felt a mass exodus in America would be inevitable. And I always assumed I wouldn't make it. That I'd give up right at the start of the impossible journey. An impossible journey spurred by a mass exodus not unlike the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt.
Reading Muchoki's journey made me feel like I could do it. Like I could try to survive a long journey. Like I could walk undeterred, knowing each step forward is farther away from the calamity behind me. For many years, I felt that if I was in a situation similar to Muchoki's I wouldn't even try to survive. Walking Home inspired me to try even if everything I know is lost.
Muchoki and his sister, Jata, endured immense loss. The kind can't be quantified or invalidated by one who feels a different sufferer has it worse. I believe no loss should compared, measured or balanced on a scale with another.
Throughout his journey, Muchoki never lost sight of the end goal. He always had hope. Inspite of how little Muchoki had, he always sacrificed some food and time for a stranger. He did not let bad events turn him into a bad person - one concerned only with himself, one too proud to accept help from anyone, even those who have demonstrated that they are worthy of trust.
Muchoki's endurance and bravery inspired me to survive. To try to survive amidst inevitable uncertainty and forces beyond my control. I think I can do it. Walk hundreds of miles toward a promised land. Walk toward a place of refuge.
Walk forward.
One step at a time.
p.s.
This story reminded me of the movie Hotel Rwanda with Don Cheadle, Ihighly recommend it.
The author, Eric Walters, traveled the same journey as Muchoki and Jata to make the narrative as close to what actual Kenyans went through as possible. Walters even has pictures and videos on his website (ericwalterswalkinghome if you're interested. I too plan to check it out
___________________________________
FAVORITE BITS:
page 27
background info: Muchoki, Jomo, and Jomo's sisters currently live in a refugee camp where there is little water and even less food
Muchoki: [ I wish we had ] a spear.
Jomo's sisters: We have a spear. A flaming spear.
Muchoki: What was she talking about?
Jomo: She is making a bad joke. My name means 'flaming spear'.
Jomo's sisters: If we all picked up our brother, we could him at the gazelle.
Jomo to Muchoki: Are you sure you don't want another sister or two?
___________________________________
pages 52-53
Muchoki: You must spend your entire day thinking of ways to get in trouble.
Jomo: You are so wrong! I hardly think at all!
*Muchoki & Jomo Laugh*
___________________________________
page 239
Muchoki (the older brother): We will eat and then seek shelter.
Jata (the little sister): Where will we sleep tonight?
*Muchoki Points Up*
Jata: In the sky?
Muchoki: In the tree.
Jata: We cannot sleep in a tree!
Muchoki: You think we can sleep in the sky but question if we can sleep in a tree? I know you have never flown like a bird, but I have seen you Climb a tree.
I cannot recall a novel that so strongly imbued me with a desire to survive.
One reason Walking Home clawed open my chest and set up camp in my heart is because my Dad immigrated to America from West Africa for college a million years ago. I just realized he was about the same age I am now 20/21. My dad would often tell us of the miles walked barefoot to a well to draw water. About the miles walked to the family farm to help his Dad after school. About a family of 11 in a space too small for 2.
One thing that has always amazed me about North African, Middle Eastern and South Asian countries are real life recounts of walking on a path that's daunting in distance alone. Not to mention dangers like daunting animals, thugs, soldiers and people of one group who hate people of your group. As Jata and Jomo walked hundreds of kilometers through Kenya uncertain if the road's dangers would overtake them, I thought of my Dad. I thought about the possibility of a 21st century event that forces humans in first world countries to flee the places full of firsts. First grade, first child, first basement flood, first love, first friendship, first real home.
I've always felt a mass exodus in America would be inevitable. And I always assumed I wouldn't make it. That I'd give up right at the start of the impossible journey. An impossible journey spurred by a mass exodus not unlike the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt.
Reading Muchoki's journey made me feel like I could do it. Like I could try to survive a long journey. Like I could walk undeterred, knowing each step forward is farther away from the calamity behind me. For many years, I felt that if I was in a situation similar to Muchoki's I wouldn't even try to survive. Walking Home inspired me to try even if everything I know is lost.
Muchoki and his sister, Jata, endured immense loss. The kind can't be quantified or invalidated by one who feels a different sufferer has it worse. I believe no loss should compared, measured or balanced on a scale with another.
Throughout his journey, Muchoki never lost sight of the end goal. He always had hope. Inspite of how little Muchoki had, he always sacrificed some food and time for a stranger. He did not let bad events turn him into a bad person - one concerned only with himself, one too proud to accept help from anyone, even those who have demonstrated that they are worthy of trust.
Muchoki's endurance and bravery inspired me to survive. To try to survive amidst inevitable uncertainty and forces beyond my control. I think I can do it. Walk hundreds of miles toward a promised land. Walk toward a place of refuge.
Walk forward.
One step at a time.
p.s.
This story reminded me of the movie Hotel Rwanda with Don Cheadle, Ihighly recommend it.
The author, Eric Walters, traveled the same journey as Muchoki and Jata to make the narrative as close to what actual Kenyans went through as possible. Walters even has pictures and videos on his website (ericwalterswalkinghome if you're interested. I too plan to check it out
___________________________________
FAVORITE BITS:
page 27
background info: Muchoki, Jomo, and Jomo's sisters currently live in a refugee camp where there is little water and even less food
Muchoki: [ I wish we had ] a spear.
Jomo's sisters: We have a spear. A flaming spear.
Muchoki: What was she talking about?
Jomo: She is making a bad joke. My name means 'flaming spear'.
Jomo's sisters: If we all picked up our brother, we could him at the gazelle.
Jomo to Muchoki: Are you sure you don't want another sister or two?
___________________________________
pages 52-53
Muchoki: You must spend your entire day thinking of ways to get in trouble.
Jomo: You are so wrong! I hardly think at all!
*Muchoki & Jomo Laugh*
___________________________________
page 239
Muchoki (the older brother): We will eat and then seek shelter.
Jata (the little sister): Where will we sleep tonight?
*Muchoki Points Up*
Jata: In the sky?
Muchoki: In the tree.
Jata: We cannot sleep in a tree!
Muchoki: You think we can sleep in the sky but question if we can sleep in a tree? I know you have never flown like a bird, but I have seen you Climb a tree.
January 23, 2022
Read this for school.
3/5 🌟
The story was pretty good it just wasn't my cup of tea.
3/5 🌟
The story was pretty good it just wasn't my cup of tea.
June 1, 2018
The book is about how a thirteen years old brother Muchoki brought his seven years old sister Jata journey. Their father was killed during a political violence, and unfortunately their mother died because of malaria. Two kid was left alone, they have to find their grandparents. During the long journey, They learned that every journey, no matter how far, stars with one step. They made friend along the way, and they stayed positive. Finally, they found their grandparents and started a new life.
April 19, 2015
I work as a Librarian in a Nairobi school, and this book seemed like a great idea for a Summer reading program. It takes place in Kenya during a critical time in its history, the characters are teens/tweens, and the book has an interactive feature where kids can supplement the reading by accessing the novel's website. Sounds great, right? Well, it isn't.
Walters describes the plight of siblings who are orphaned during Kenya's 2007-2008 uprising. These kids have to walk over 200 kilometers to their mother's home village to find what is left of their family. The problem is that the book is simply not believable! There were enough coincidences and lucky breaks for ten books, let alone one. Hardships were overcome with an extraordinary ease.
The one redeeming feature was the dialogue; it was reflective and precise.
Now I'm going to have to convince 300 Middle Schoolers to read it over the Summer. Woe is me!
Walters describes the plight of siblings who are orphaned during Kenya's 2007-2008 uprising. These kids have to walk over 200 kilometers to their mother's home village to find what is left of their family. The problem is that the book is simply not believable! There were enough coincidences and lucky breaks for ten books, let alone one. Hardships were overcome with an extraordinary ease.
The one redeeming feature was the dialogue; it was reflective and precise.
Now I'm going to have to convince 300 Middle Schoolers to read it over the Summer. Woe is me!
January 31, 2016
The heartwarming book of a journey home and kind the people who help along the way.
April 1, 2024
After the absolute behemoths of the Eragon series reading this normal sized book made me feel extremely smart and fast. Thanks to my good friend Joe for the recommendation and for letting me borrow the book this was very heartwarming. Felt like the sort of book I’d have to read for an English class but I didn’t have to read 1 chapter a week and write a report about how each chapter made me feel which was so freeing
April 27, 2019
A richly, heartfelt and factual middle grade book about a brother and a sister and their difficulties during the 2007-2008 political turmoil in Kenya. The accompanying information on the author’s website (e.g., facts, author’s notes, pictures, videos, etc.) was beneficial and extremely informative.
July 23, 2024
"Even in the darkness, she always gave me hope." Fantastic read for such simplistic prose.
October 25, 2017
2 african children try to escape voilence because they don't like their new nations leader, why? People think he broke an election to win
May 21, 2023
It had very good text and thought but there was now real climax of the story. I had to read it has a school reading project
October 5, 2017
I would give this book 4.5 because it was an adventurous story and had a great plot twist
October 4, 2017
"Walking Home" was one of the best books I've ever read!!!
March 26, 2016
The book, Walking Home is written by the adventurous Eric Walters. Walking Home is a improbable and astonishing book. It was published in September 23, 2014. Walking Home is one my favourite books because it has adventure, drama, tragedy, fantasy and suspense. After publishing Walking Home, Eric Walters was very impressed on how many people liked his book. Walking Home is a book that everyone will like.
Walking Home is about a 13 year old boy, named as Muchoki and his little sister, Jata trying to find there way back home after their mother’s and father’s death. They have been left alone, suffering in the poor conditioned tents, with their own food and water. To get home, Muchoki and Jata will need to walk way more than a hundred miles alone. Can Muchoki and Jata make it home alive? Or will they face any death challenges? What will happen??
The best reason why I really like this book is because the story is very unique and interesting. Not a lot of people might've heard or read about these type of stories. The setting in the book is in Kenya. The story is very unique because two characters are trying to walk to there home without their mother or father, alone. None of the two have any confidence about reaching home safely.
Another reason why I really like this book is because Eric Walters uses lots of extraordinary words that make the book even more interesting. Some words that he uses in the book are warrant, spigot, slaughtering, weariness, or desperate. Eric Walters places these words in sentences that don't make you bored.
Eric Walters takes a very long time in explaining about one topic or idea. It would take him more than 3 chapters to finish one idea or topic. After reading about one idea, I was very bored, but it was the story that kept me hanging.
This book is very hopeful, inspiring, motivational and exciting. It shows the struggle of a thirteen year old boy who does anything to find his home. I really recommend this book to people who like to read books about journeys.
Walking Home is about a 13 year old boy, named as Muchoki and his little sister, Jata trying to find there way back home after their mother’s and father’s death. They have been left alone, suffering in the poor conditioned tents, with their own food and water. To get home, Muchoki and Jata will need to walk way more than a hundred miles alone. Can Muchoki and Jata make it home alive? Or will they face any death challenges? What will happen??
The best reason why I really like this book is because the story is very unique and interesting. Not a lot of people might've heard or read about these type of stories. The setting in the book is in Kenya. The story is very unique because two characters are trying to walk to there home without their mother or father, alone. None of the two have any confidence about reaching home safely.
Another reason why I really like this book is because Eric Walters uses lots of extraordinary words that make the book even more interesting. Some words that he uses in the book are warrant, spigot, slaughtering, weariness, or desperate. Eric Walters places these words in sentences that don't make you bored.
Eric Walters takes a very long time in explaining about one topic or idea. It would take him more than 3 chapters to finish one idea or topic. After reading about one idea, I was very bored, but it was the story that kept me hanging.
This book is very hopeful, inspiring, motivational and exciting. It shows the struggle of a thirteen year old boy who does anything to find his home. I really recommend this book to people who like to read books about journeys.
August 1, 2016
Although "Walking Home" is fictional, this story was inspired by real events. Events so different from my world, it is difficult for me to fully comprehend that this is the norm for many children in Kenya.
Eric Walters takes the reader on a remarkable journey -- a journey of loss, but more importantly, a journey of hope. Following bitter fighting in their rural village, that ultimately leaves them orphaned, thirteen year-old, Muchoki and his younger sister, Jata, set out to find their maternal grandparents in a distant village. They have never met their grandparents; in fact they don't even know if they are still alive, but they decide that this is the only hope for their future. What follows is an account of their walk, the people they meet along the way and the dangers encountered.
"Walking Home" was short-listed for the 2016 Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Awards. In addition to the remarkable story, Walters has established a digital web page devoted to the book. It helps bring the story alive through pictures, maps, videos, songs, and readings. I highly recommend this book for all young adults and also the web page www.ericwalterswalkinghome.com
There are many lessons to be learned from Muchoki and Jata!
Eric Walters takes the reader on a remarkable journey -- a journey of loss, but more importantly, a journey of hope. Following bitter fighting in their rural village, that ultimately leaves them orphaned, thirteen year-old, Muchoki and his younger sister, Jata, set out to find their maternal grandparents in a distant village. They have never met their grandparents; in fact they don't even know if they are still alive, but they decide that this is the only hope for their future. What follows is an account of their walk, the people they meet along the way and the dangers encountered.
"Walking Home" was short-listed for the 2016 Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Awards. In addition to the remarkable story, Walters has established a digital web page devoted to the book. It helps bring the story alive through pictures, maps, videos, songs, and readings. I highly recommend this book for all young adults and also the web page www.ericwalterswalkinghome.com
There are many lessons to be learned from Muchoki and Jata!
March 19, 2022
!!2.5 stars!!
#1 - jan 13 2022, feb 7 2022 ★ ★
!read for school!
— wasnt bad, but not the sort of thing I like to read
#1 - jan 13 2022, feb 7 2022 ★ ★
!read for school!
— wasnt bad, but not the sort of thing I like to read
August 3, 2015
I had to read this book for the matrix program and I didn't expect to actually enjoy it. Eric Walters mostly writes about tragedies and I my expectations were low for this book. It was actually a very good book and the characters were great. The story was about a boy Muchoki whose dad dies in a riot in a church. Then him, his sister and mother were forced to go to a camp to stay safe. There are many different tribes and they were starting wars with the others. His mother had been very sick with malaria and while at the camp it flared up again. During his stay in the camp, Muchoki made friends and learned some things. Eventually, his family had decided that when Muchoki's mother was better from the malaria they would head out to meet her family in the village of Kikamba. Sadly she dies and the head administrator wants to send Muchoki and his sister Jata to separate orphanages. During the middle of the night Muchoki and Jata make their escape thanks to a helpful sergeant and head out to Kikamba. They must face many obstacles during their way but they survive it all. The ending was actually very happy and the story wasn't as tragic as I had though it would be.
April 18, 2015
A gift from a Canadian friend, I did not find this book as inspiring as other readers. The children's voices seemed to be far too mature, it seemed to be the author was writing what he wished the children would say and do. Staying on the cart to fight the bandits seemed highly unlikely. I certainly thought the author wrote the setting well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2015
I gave this book a 2 star rating because it wasn't as exciting as I expected it to be. Especially from coming from such a good and exciting author. The story did have a few exciting parts but not enough. The thing that I really liked about the book was that the boy filled in as his sisters father and took care of her even after everything he went through.
January 25, 2016
"We're closer now," she said.
"Yes, we are."
"And closer now."
"Yes, another three steps."
"And even closer - "
"Less talking and more walking."
"Sorry, sorry," she said.
We walked in silence for a few moments. I felt badly for snapping at her.
"Jata?"
"Yes, Muchoki?"
"We are closer now."
"Yes, we are."
"And closer now."
"Yes, another three steps."
"And even closer - "
"Less talking and more walking."
"Sorry, sorry," she said.
We walked in silence for a few moments. I felt badly for snapping at her.
"Jata?"
"Yes, Muchoki?"
"We are closer now."
June 22, 2017
Boring. The characters sounded too mature and there was hardly any suspense. I'm not going to say this is a horrible book, only because this is not the kind of book I would usually read.
October 3, 2017
Muchoki, a thirteen-year-old boy with a seven-year-old little sister named Jata, were two children with only a mother. They lived in the village of Eldoret with their family. They owned a house, farm, and a store in the market. Muchoki is Kikukamba because his mother is Kamba and his father are Kikuyu. Muchoki and his family never realized that it mattered that if you knew who was Kamba, Kikuyu or Luo, but one day they finally had to figure it out.
Muchoki had lost his father after the church had burnt down from the mob that invaded with torches and machetes. They tried to hide in the church and hoped they would be safe but they were wrong. After the event of the church burning down, all of the survivors were brought to a refugee camp filled with tents.
After a while of staying in the refugee camp, Muchoki's mother gets infected and is suffering from malaria. Once they found out, Muchoki was the man in the family now. He had to go gather wood and gather supplies to help them survive. Jata on the other hand was attending the school of the refugee camp.
Their mother told them the story about the "people of the string" and how they relate to her culture, the Kamba. The idea of the story was that a young boy and a girl ran into a forest wanting to be together because their parents didn’t allow them. They go to follow the string back to their hometown to only find out that he string had broken and they never found their way back home.
One day, Jomo (he was a kid that Muchoki met from gathering firewood) decided to go hunting for a gazelle and Muchoki had accompanied him during the mission. They were on to something when they saw the dead gazelle and a Masai leader standing beside it. The leader told the kids off but since Muchoki had scared the gazelle toward the Masai, he had given him a share of the kill. Jomo & Muchoki had come back and the soldier had not liked what he had seen with the boys. So, to ease down the situation, Muchoki invited the guard to have a share of the cooked gazelle.
Muchoki's mother had died of malaria and they had to flee to another orphanage. The guard had helped with them leave by staying for dinner. The matron arrives in the morning to get his sister. The soldier helped out by giving Muchoki some spare cash for along the way. Muchoki then leads the way to hopefully find his mother's family and their hometown.
Question #1: I'm pretty sure we discussed a civil war in Africa with the same concept in this book where people invaded other people with weapons and killed lots of people.
Question #2: I liked the concept of following a piece of string back to your home. I found that interesting because they went back to it a lot in the book, like the last part where the old man starts to walk away with a piece of string dangling to the ground and wants Muchoki and Jata to follow him back to 'their' home.
Question #3: I rated this book 4 stars because I like the way the author set the tone and mood throughout the text. It was a very relieving story. Especially the end when they finally arrive in their mother's hometown and meets their uncle and goes back home.
Muchoki had lost his father after the church had burnt down from the mob that invaded with torches and machetes. They tried to hide in the church and hoped they would be safe but they were wrong. After the event of the church burning down, all of the survivors were brought to a refugee camp filled with tents.
After a while of staying in the refugee camp, Muchoki's mother gets infected and is suffering from malaria. Once they found out, Muchoki was the man in the family now. He had to go gather wood and gather supplies to help them survive. Jata on the other hand was attending the school of the refugee camp.
Their mother told them the story about the "people of the string" and how they relate to her culture, the Kamba. The idea of the story was that a young boy and a girl ran into a forest wanting to be together because their parents didn’t allow them. They go to follow the string back to their hometown to only find out that he string had broken and they never found their way back home.
One day, Jomo (he was a kid that Muchoki met from gathering firewood) decided to go hunting for a gazelle and Muchoki had accompanied him during the mission. They were on to something when they saw the dead gazelle and a Masai leader standing beside it. The leader told the kids off but since Muchoki had scared the gazelle toward the Masai, he had given him a share of the kill. Jomo & Muchoki had come back and the soldier had not liked what he had seen with the boys. So, to ease down the situation, Muchoki invited the guard to have a share of the cooked gazelle.
Muchoki's mother had died of malaria and they had to flee to another orphanage. The guard had helped with them leave by staying for dinner. The matron arrives in the morning to get his sister. The soldier helped out by giving Muchoki some spare cash for along the way. Muchoki then leads the way to hopefully find his mother's family and their hometown.
Question #1: I'm pretty sure we discussed a civil war in Africa with the same concept in this book where people invaded other people with weapons and killed lots of people.
Question #2: I liked the concept of following a piece of string back to your home. I found that interesting because they went back to it a lot in the book, like the last part where the old man starts to walk away with a piece of string dangling to the ground and wants Muchoki and Jata to follow him back to 'their' home.
Question #3: I rated this book 4 stars because I like the way the author set the tone and mood throughout the text. It was a very relieving story. Especially the end when they finally arrive in their mother's hometown and meets their uncle and goes back home.
April 5, 2018
In the book Walking Home written by Eric Walters, Muchoki and Jata’s story is told of how they overcome the violence from the two groups, the Kalenjins and Kikuyus. Although Muchoki and his family are apart of the Kikuyus, they are being attacked by Kalenjins in their village, whereas other parts of kenya it is the Kikuyus going after the Kalenjins. The violence between these two groups drove them away from their homes, making them have to travel across Kenya to seek shelters and safety. Along the way, Muchoki and Jata have to deal with grief, adapt to damaging change, and get used to the idea that there is a big possibility that they might not come out of this alive. What I really liked about this book is how descriptive their journey was told, though with no graphic details. Making it easy to read through the book is little to no confusion or uncomfortableness. Though also a huge part about this book that I enjoyed is that is the way that it was told , since it was based on a true story. It was such a nice way to make people aware that this is a real thing going on, even if it is not going on in their own lives at the moment. I think this book is a good read for anyone from seventh grade and up because it is easy enough to make out what the story is telling though it is telling a real story that anybody older could sympathize with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2018
This book is an extremely touching and heart-warming book. It's hard to articulate something as intangible and ephemeral as a feeling, the feelings that this book gave me was hard to describe. It describes how a thirteen years old brother Muchoki and a seven years old sister Jata can complete an incredible journey in a dilemma. Their parents died for various reasons, they were left alone,they have to find their grandparents. In the process of this unbelievable journey, they didn't have any supplies to help them, they did not know where the end of this journey is. They just adhered to their beliefs and stayed positive. There's a quote at the cover of the book, it says," Every journey, no matter how far, starts with one step." This sentence will give the reader a strong positive energy. There may be confusion on the way to the goal, but in the end we will eventually find our own direction.
December 13, 2018
This is a deeply moving & carefully researched work of realistic fiction based on the lives of children orphaned in Kenya due to political unrest & disease. 13-yr-old Muchoki, after leaving the refugee camp where he and his sister had lived with their mother, bravely strikes out to walk nearly 100 miles from the Mara to Nairobi and on to Kikima. The hardships that he and young Jata face are tempered by beautiful acts of kindness from strangers - some of whom go out of their way to help them continue their journey. This novel has a heart-warming ending that will leave middle grade readers feeling more hopeful than hopeless. The author has created loads of additional content in the form of audio linked to some chapters, photos, and notes. I found the icons for these bits distracting on the pages- though think it's interesting material worth exploring.
June 8, 2019
This book was sent to me by a friend and was a wonderful read. Reading about Muchoki and Jaya’s journey to search for their grandparents constantly had me on the edge of my seat. The fact that everything in this book is inspired by real events is also incredibly interesting as well as educational, and the ability to view pictures and videos, listen to audio clips, etc, alongside the book while reading is an excellent way to help visualize the setting. I have yet to visit the website (www.ericwalterswalkinghome.com) myself, but I plan to browse later and reflect upon my read.
This book made me realize that there can be so many kind people in the world, so many generous people willing to help those who are struggling in seriously unfortunate conditions. All the characters that Muchoki and Jata met throughout their journey were so unique and memorable, and I fell in love with each one.
This book made me realize that there can be so many kind people in the world, so many generous people willing to help those who are struggling in seriously unfortunate conditions. All the characters that Muchoki and Jata met throughout their journey were so unique and memorable, and I fell in love with each one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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