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Way Home
It's night and the dark is filled with strange sounds as Shane makes his way home. On a fence he finds a stray cat that at first growls and spits at him. But Shane talks and strokes the kitten to calmness, and decides to take the 'Spitfire, Kitten Number One,' home with him. No gang of boys, or avenue of dense traffic, or fierce dog can stop Shane carrying his new found friend to the place he calls home. Greg Rogers' sensitive use of charcoal and pastel create Shane and his cat in splendid city-at-night time scenes.
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 1994
17 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Libby Hathorn
98 books32 followersLibby Hathorn is an Australian writer who produces poetry, picture books, drama, novels, short stories, and nonfiction for children, young adults, and adults. Best known in the United States for her critically acclaimed novel Thunderwith, Hathorn has created works ranging from serious stories of troubled youth to lighthearted, fast-paced comedies. She writes of powerful female characters in her novels for junior readers, such as the protagonists in All about Anna and The Extraordinary Magics of Emma McDade; or of lonely, misunderstood teenagers in novels such as Feral Kid, Love Me Tender, and Valley under the Rock. As Maurice Saxby noted in St. James Guide to Children's Writers, "In her novels for teenagers especially, Hathorn exposes, with compassion, sensitivity, and poetry the universal and ongoing struggle of humanity to heal hurts, establish meaningful relationships, and to learn to accept one's self—and ultimately—those who have wronged us."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 15, 2014
Shane is a runaway. A homeless boy living on the streets. One night he finds a kitten and is determined to make it his own and take it home. But will he and Cat be able to make their way safely through the night?
This is a very dark but very engaging book for children, particularly in Year 4 and 5. Written in blank verse, it suits not only introducing children to poetry but also touches on a range of issues that can be used across the curriculum, particularly in PSHE. The book engages all levels of reader, from advanced readers who can infer plenty of meaning from the books sometimes tragic content, to less able readers who can infer meaning and engage with its dazzling, edgy illustrations.
The book works perfectly for getting children to write persuasively. Children relate to Shane automatically (due to his being around 8 – 10 years old) and can relate to the fear of being on the one hand stubborn (as many children are at that age!) and on the other hand unable to support oneself and needing the security of your parents.
This is a very dark but very engaging book for children, particularly in Year 4 and 5. Written in blank verse, it suits not only introducing children to poetry but also touches on a range of issues that can be used across the curriculum, particularly in PSHE. The book engages all levels of reader, from advanced readers who can infer plenty of meaning from the books sometimes tragic content, to less able readers who can infer meaning and engage with its dazzling, edgy illustrations.
The book works perfectly for getting children to write persuasively. Children relate to Shane automatically (due to his being around 8 – 10 years old) and can relate to the fear of being on the one hand stubborn (as many children are at that age!) and on the other hand unable to support oneself and needing the security of your parents.
October 14, 2019
Way home follows a young boy called Shane and a stray cat that Shane has decided to home. During their journey home, Shane and the cat experience many dangerous encounters such as a gang of lads and a dog. Throughout this book, Shane is always telling the cat that they are close to home so the reader is left guessing as to where Shane lives. This provides children with the opportunity to imagine where Shane lives and what it looks like. When we find out where Shane lives, it is on the streets covered with newspapers and Shane's drawings of cats. Although Shane has very little, he wants to give everything he can to make sure that the cat has everything that he needs.
This story really emphasises the importance of companionship as Shane has decided to befriend a stray cat due to him potentially feeling lonely as a result of living on the street. Way Home provides opportunities for discussions for PHSE as it highlights an issue that is prominent in the UK - homelessness.
This story really emphasises the importance of companionship as Shane has decided to befriend a stray cat due to him potentially feeling lonely as a result of living on the street. Way Home provides opportunities for discussions for PHSE as it highlights an issue that is prominent in the UK - homelessness.
January 11, 2019
The writing and illustrations were both top notch. One could feel the time that went into creating both.
For a picture book though I would say it is rather frightening. It's a story of a boy who lives in an inner city, finds a young cat, and decides to take it home. They must travel through a gauntlet of dark and very scary incidents and places to get home. And home....
Well, read it. It is remarkable, but dark. I am guessing that a target audience might be a 4-5th grade boy.
For a picture book though I would say it is rather frightening. It's a story of a boy who lives in an inner city, finds a young cat, and decides to take it home. They must travel through a gauntlet of dark and very scary incidents and places to get home. And home....
Well, read it. It is remarkable, but dark. I am guessing that a target audience might be a 4-5th grade boy.
February 22, 2018
Shane is a homeless boy who lives in the streets of a dark city. He finds a cat and takes the cat home and tells him that he could feed him and keep him safe. The cat had no name. They ran through big buildings and dark streets to find a way home which in the end he did. His journey does not run smoothly as he finds himself facing several difficulties with his bravery. This book had very dark and powerful paintings pages. This book is aimed for children who are in years 4-6. In the second page Shane is on the left hand side of the book which means that he is safe but perhaps confined and wants to carry his journey home. His facial expressions are Shane's head looking low which means he feels down, could also mean that he just wants to head to his warm cosy home.
October 20, 2018
Heartbreaking story of a genuine, caring little boy who wants to look after a scared stray kitten. Like ripped photos, the astonishing pictures convey the violence and darkness of the streets where the story is set. Furthermore, the language used, rich in slang words, also help readers enter in the character's life and feelings.
The moving topic makes the book suitable for both stages: guided and shared reading, empathic talking, 'what if you were in character's shoes?' , create a map of the city, make an alternative ending, add new sequences to the story (e.g. the boy fights with the mischievous teenagers).
The moving topic makes the book suitable for both stages: guided and shared reading, empathic talking, 'what if you were in character's shoes?' , create a map of the city, make an alternative ending, add new sequences to the story (e.g. the boy fights with the mischievous teenagers).
September 19, 2018
A really powerful read for older children with dramatic illustrations and a surprising plot twist. Great for discussing some important ethical and social issues. Also good for teaching about metaphors and repetition.
July 23, 2018
Very good for teaching metaphors and repetition
September 25, 2019
Way Home tells the story of a boy, named Shane, and a stray cat. Shane discovers the cat out on the streets, who is initially resistant to Shane holding home. Shane manages to calm the cat and begin the journey to taking it home. This narrative shows the frightening and dark encounters the two companions face on the way home, showing the development of their friendship and trust. Eventually, the reader is taken to Shane's home. The place that he calls home is on the streets, where Shane houses newspapers and drawings.
This touching book would be suitable for KS2 and could provide an opportunity to discuss the things that make pupils feel at home, whether family members or belongings are important.
This touching book would be suitable for KS2 and could provide an opportunity to discuss the things that make pupils feel at home, whether family members or belongings are important.
August 17, 2012
Way Home
This paperback is a large picture book designed, I believe, to be the catalyst for classroom discussion or used as a mechanism to encourage children to think around the story and imagine what circumstances have befallen the character portrayed. It is a dark, urban story of a homeless boy called Shane who, whilst travelling across the city one night, befriends a cat. The illustrations, by Gregory Rogers, are simply stunning and the text is punchy and gritty.
The subject matter of the book is very much aimed at KS2 children with references to gangs, homelessness and all the social/economic implications of living on the street. The narrative appears to be a snapshot of Shane’s journey back to where he calls home. As a consequence there is no real storyline. However, the account of a boy’s troubled journey across town allows for class discussions and can be used as a springboard to various creative writing tasks such as writing how Shane arrived at his current predicament.
I found this book to be useful with children who struggled with their reading, though the text may be too advanced in this case, the pictures certainly grab a child’s imagination encouraging them to find out more from one page to the next.
I only rated the book 3/5 as I felt, as a book, it leaves the reader in limbo with no real story and a dialogue that is awkward. However, as a stimulus to imaginative and creative writing, it is an excellent classroom read.
This paperback is a large picture book designed, I believe, to be the catalyst for classroom discussion or used as a mechanism to encourage children to think around the story and imagine what circumstances have befallen the character portrayed. It is a dark, urban story of a homeless boy called Shane who, whilst travelling across the city one night, befriends a cat. The illustrations, by Gregory Rogers, are simply stunning and the text is punchy and gritty.
The subject matter of the book is very much aimed at KS2 children with references to gangs, homelessness and all the social/economic implications of living on the street. The narrative appears to be a snapshot of Shane’s journey back to where he calls home. As a consequence there is no real storyline. However, the account of a boy’s troubled journey across town allows for class discussions and can be used as a springboard to various creative writing tasks such as writing how Shane arrived at his current predicament.
I found this book to be useful with children who struggled with their reading, though the text may be too advanced in this case, the pictures certainly grab a child’s imagination encouraging them to find out more from one page to the next.
I only rated the book 3/5 as I felt, as a book, it leaves the reader in limbo with no real story and a dialogue that is awkward. However, as a stimulus to imaginative and creative writing, it is an excellent classroom read.
March 18, 2011
Love using this book with KS2 (Y4+) children. It deals with serious issues and the twist at the end always surprises children on the first reading. Very thought-provoking and provides a great starting point for discussions and writing.
September 1, 2025
A powerfully realistic urban story of a young boy, Shane, who is obviously on his own living in the streets of a large city where danger lurks at every corner. Shane finds a likely orphaned cat and draws the cat's trust, tucking him inside his jacket as he makes his way "home", promising safety, warmth, and milk. Throughout their sojourn to Shane's home, they encounter a menacing dog, a street gang chase, a fine display of new cars ~~ Shane wants a green Jag ~~ and a fat cat, living off mince. Throughout the story, Shane talks to his new friend, each page delivering a creative appropriate descriptions for the cat: Scaredycat, Catlegs, Kittycat, Whiskettes, Skinny Minny, UpCat, Crazy Cat. When they encounter a vicious dog ready to attack, the cat instinctively leaps from the boy's jacket and climbs the nearest tree. It is here that Shane reveals his already-attached love for the cat as he climbs to the tree's top to gather the cat back into his warm jacket, "I'd break my neck for you. You know that? I'd break my stupid neck."
The illustrations are rich, dark, and ominous. Each double-page spread reveals a zigzag of what looks like torn paper zigzagging across the page separating the image from the text. Each illustrations reveals details of homelessness, as despair peppers every page visually carrying the themes of danger and loneliness.
The illustrations are rich, dark, and ominous. Each double-page spread reveals a zigzag of what looks like torn paper zigzagging across the page separating the image from the text. Each illustrations reveals details of homelessness, as despair peppers every page visually carrying the themes of danger and loneliness.
October 15, 2020
This is such an interesting book! Shane finds a cat (presumed stray) and takes him on his dangerous journey home. Shane tackles situations bravely, constantly shielding 'the cat with no name' inside his jacket. He talks to the cat with no name and tells it that they will be safe when they get to his home. The reader then gets a shock to discover what/where Shane's home is. It is interesting to discuss the theme of home, and about what children feel a home should be like.
The theme of poverty is explored through this, so teachers would need to be aware of children's own situations when reading this. This book could provide a good receptive context for PHSE lessons surrounding this theme.
There are lots of grammatical techniques used for effect, which could be explored in literacy lessons. For example writing direct speech, use of exclamation marks, question marks and ..., expanded noun phrases, and similes. The illustrations are interestingly displayed on the pages, to look like torn pieces of paper - this would be interesting to discuss with children.
The theme of poverty is explored through this, so teachers would need to be aware of children's own situations when reading this. This book could provide a good receptive context for PHSE lessons surrounding this theme.
There are lots of grammatical techniques used for effect, which could be explored in literacy lessons. For example writing direct speech, use of exclamation marks, question marks and ..., expanded noun phrases, and similes. The illustrations are interestingly displayed on the pages, to look like torn pieces of paper - this would be interesting to discuss with children.
October 9, 2019
This acts as a perfect picture book for KS2 children. With the sophisticated themes of danger, loneliness and homelessness, this book is good for older primary readers. The language use: onomatopoeia; adjectives, exciting verbs etc help children who are of a lower ability to access rich language, even if they cannot independently read a chapter book. Hathorn keeps you guessing throughout as to where the boy lives and what sort of background he comes from; children are able to fill in the gaps, use their imaginations. It is only until the end of the text that you realise the irony- the boy has next to nothing, yet his kindness prevails and he takes care of the cat, sharing what he has with the animal.
November 6, 2020
Shane is a boy who finds a cat on the street and decided to take it home.
I found the title through a list of puctre books for older children and I kind of spoiled the ending... But some people here did the same! u.u
Anyway, I found it great to have deep discussions with students and make inferences!
I found the title through a list of puctre books for older children and I kind of spoiled the ending... But some people here did the same! u.u
Anyway, I found it great to have deep discussions with students and make inferences!
December 4, 2018
Interesting story about a boy who finds a cat on his way home. The boy and the cat both learn to trust each other, facing different senarios as they try to make it home. There is a surprising ending when it turns out the boy is homeless. The cat doesn't seem to care however.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2017
When this boy find a #cat, he will go all the way to keep him and take him ....#home. A different perspective on #life.
June 8, 2018
Amazing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2019
Beautiful illustrations help tell the story of a homeless boy and his kitten. Good for third grade on up.
November 22, 2019
Homework
Read
June 19, 2020borrriinnngngggg
October 9, 2021
reread this because i remembered reading it in year 6 and now i cant stop crying
June 3, 2022
#2022
December 15, 2022
this made me cry for nearly an hour
December 17, 2023
I can see what the author was doing. But of a shocker. I could use this with year 5 and 6 definitely.
March 2, 2025
An emotional and powerful picture book on the theme of homelessness and the perils and fears of being out on city streets, told through the eyes of a young boy and the cat he meets.
July 26, 2019
Sweet story and quick read. Loved all the poetry woven throughout.
December 30, 2022
This was sweet
July 7, 2011
Picture books cover more than ABCs and red fish versus blue fish. They are as varied as novels. Many titles are intended for older readers. Way Home is one such book. The story takes place during one night in the inner city and the illustrations vividly convey a sense of grit and darkness. The streets and alleys represent danger for a boy named Shane and a wary stray cat he encounters.
"Heeey, I like you, Spitfire, Kitten Number One!" Shane says. He tucks the cat into his jacket. "You're coming home with me to my place."
On the journey home, the duo walks past a pampered feline in a window. As Shane gazes in, he says, "[T]hat cat's a loser. Eats fancy mince, no kidding. Heaps of it....Disgusting. And get that collar. What a joke!" They see an auto showroom, lights shining brightly on red Jags. Wrong color, Shane claims as he fights off a sense of awe.
After staring at the unoccupied office towers, Shane and the cat finally reach home, a makeshift shack for just the two of them. End of story.
It's thought provoking tale about homelessness, preconceptions and society's priorities. I recommend this book for readers nine and older. A reader's world should involve more than sports stats, wizard schools and wimpy kids.
Read more of my reviews at http://boyzread.blogspot.com/.
"Heeey, I like you, Spitfire, Kitten Number One!" Shane says. He tucks the cat into his jacket. "You're coming home with me to my place."
On the journey home, the duo walks past a pampered feline in a window. As Shane gazes in, he says, "[T]hat cat's a loser. Eats fancy mince, no kidding. Heaps of it....Disgusting. And get that collar. What a joke!" They see an auto showroom, lights shining brightly on red Jags. Wrong color, Shane claims as he fights off a sense of awe.
After staring at the unoccupied office towers, Shane and the cat finally reach home, a makeshift shack for just the two of them. End of story.
It's thought provoking tale about homelessness, preconceptions and society's priorities. I recommend this book for readers nine and older. A reader's world should involve more than sports stats, wizard schools and wimpy kids.
Read more of my reviews at http://boyzread.blogspot.com/.
November 24, 2015
The Way Home is about a homeless boy's journey through the city. On his way, he finds an unlikely companion and being desperate for company he wants to to take it back to his 'home'. His journey does not run smoothly as he finds himself facing several difficulties which he overcomes with his bravery.
The implied reader must have a simple understanding of different social classes as well as homelessness. This ties in with the themes of the book which we identify as:
Loneliness
Companionship
Isolation
Social class
Homelessness
Poverty
The pictures include lights of cars and glistening shop windows which serve to strengthen the comparison between the light and the shadows. Further to this, each page features a rip which suggests a clear separation between the darkness of his perception and the reality of the streets. We also noticed that the boy's story seems to be ripped away from the page indicating that his life is torn away from society.
The representation of The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo is clearly seen on the first and last page of the book; suggesting it has significance. On the first page the picture is ripped however on the last page the picture appears whole. Perhaps this represents how the cat has impacted on the boy's life?
The implied reader must have a simple understanding of different social classes as well as homelessness. This ties in with the themes of the book which we identify as:
Loneliness
Companionship
Isolation
Social class
Homelessness
Poverty
The pictures include lights of cars and glistening shop windows which serve to strengthen the comparison between the light and the shadows. Further to this, each page features a rip which suggests a clear separation between the darkness of his perception and the reality of the streets. We also noticed that the boy's story seems to be ripped away from the page indicating that his life is torn away from society.
The representation of The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo is clearly seen on the first and last page of the book; suggesting it has significance. On the first page the picture is ripped however on the last page the picture appears whole. Perhaps this represents how the cat has impacted on the boy's life?
November 25, 2015
The Way Home is about a homeless boy's journey through the city. On his way, he finds an unlikely companion and being desperate for company he wants to to take it back to his 'home'. His journey does not run smoothly as he finds himself facing several difficulties which he overcomes with his bravery.
The implied reader must have a simple understanding of different social classes as well as homelessness. This ties in with the themes of the book which we identify as:
Loneliness
Companionship
Isolation
Social class
Homelessness
Poverty
The pictures include lights of cars and glistening shop windows which serve to strengthen the comparison between the light and the shadows. Further to this, each page features a rip which suggests a clear separation between the darkness of his perception and the reality of the streets. We also noticed that the boy's story seems to be ripped away from the page indicating that his life is torn away from society.
The representation of The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo is clearly seen on the first and last page of the book; suggesting it has significance. On the first page the picture is ripped however on the last page the picture appears whole. Perhaps this represents how the cat has impacted on the boy's life?
The implied reader must have a simple understanding of different social classes as well as homelessness. This ties in with the themes of the book which we identify as:
Loneliness
Companionship
Isolation
Social class
Homelessness
Poverty
The pictures include lights of cars and glistening shop windows which serve to strengthen the comparison between the light and the shadows. Further to this, each page features a rip which suggests a clear separation between the darkness of his perception and the reality of the streets. We also noticed that the boy's story seems to be ripped away from the page indicating that his life is torn away from society.
The representation of The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo is clearly seen on the first and last page of the book; suggesting it has significance. On the first page the picture is ripped however on the last page the picture appears whole. Perhaps this represents how the cat has impacted on the boy's life?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews