Carry Me Home

by Janet Fox

Twelve-year-old Lulu and her younger sister, Serena, have a secret. As Daddy always says, “it’s best if we keep it to ourselves,” and so they have. But hiding your past is one thing. Hiding where you live—and that your Daddy has gone missing—is harder.

At first Lulu isn’t worried. Daddy has gone away once before and he came back. But as the days add up, with no sign of Daddy, Lulu struggles to take care of all the responsibilities they used to manage as a family.

Lulu knows that all it takes is one slip-up for their secret to come spilling out, for Lulu and Serena to be separated, and for all the good things that have been happening in school to be lost.

But family is all around us, and Lulu must learn to trust her new friends and community to save those she loves and to finally find her true home.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Juvenile, Family

208 pages, Hardcover

First published August 24, 2021

About the author

Author of award-winning fiction and non-fiction for young readers. (NOT Janet Kaye Fox)

Published books:
"Get Organized Without Losing It" (middle grade, Free Spirit Publishing, 2017, new edition)
"Faithful" (young adult, Penguin/Speak, 2010)
"Forgiven" (young adult, Speak, 2011)
"Sirens" - (young adult, Speak 2012)
"The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle" - (middle grade, Viking, 2016)
"Volcano Dreams" - picture book, Web of Life Books, September 2018
"The Artifact Hunters" - middle grade, Viking 2020
"Carry Me Home" - middle grade, Simon & Schuster 2021
"Wintergarden" - picture book, Neal Porter, 2023

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous book, finished it in one sitting!! Carry Me Home is a riveting, quick read and Lulu will capture your heart. Lulu is a beautiful example of a caring, loving older sister who is determined, strong, a talented writer, singer and wisher. Although she's afraid that she and her little sister might be separated if anyone is to find out their secret, she tries to take over in her dad's absence. Her goal throughout the story is to hide their homelessness from all the adults around her. Lulu's life at times is sad, but also hopeful. It's a realistic portrayal of the difficulties faced with homelessness and how some children can slide through the cracks. There's lots of good information woven into the story about seeing what's around you, and that caring, helpful people do exist. In Lulu's case, she finds help from a kind lunch lady, librarian, and Jack, the nice boy she meets at school.

I read somewhere that the inspiration for Carry Me Home was a NPR story that Fox heard about a family living in their car in Montana. She also drew inspiration from a Hiroshima survivor, Sadako Sasaki and her paper cranes, as well as the sandhill cranes migration. I love how the author carefully crafted the story to include all of these elements while balancing Lulu's past with her dad in Texas with her present in Montana, providing just the right amount of details about how the family ended up in this situation without dwelling on the past. I also liked that Lulu's father isn't a cruel man, although he made some poor choices, he truly loves his daughters and was trying his best to provide for them. What will grab the reader is how Lulu "stands up" for herself and her sister. How she takes charge and carries on until she can no longer. Her wish will resonate with the reader and the story will draw out strong emotions and empathy. The short chapters will make it easier to digest the information, just a beautiful story that had me tearing up at the end. Books to pair this with might include Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo or Front Desk by Kelly Yang.

**A huge thank you to Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media, I just adored this book to pieces!**

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad, cute, okayish. Sorry to say the story seems so familiar.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carry Me Home is similar to a modern-day version of The Boxcar Children, just more realistic. It follows Lulu and her family on their journey through grief and homelessness. While this is middle grade fiction, the writing style feels like the younger end of that group (think 7-10 year olds). That being said, Janet Fox addresses a lot of heavy topics that will bring out real emotions. I would recommend reading this book with your child so that you can have the important conversations as they come up. Carry Me Home is a reminder that even though life can be hard, there are still kind people in this world.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book solely because they want to take it out of the schools and I love the cover. What an amazing story and so very real. There are far too many kids and families that go through this and Lulu tells us about her experience in a way that is heartbreaking yet hopeful. I can only hope for young children who go through this to become empowered and make change and for all children (and adults) who read this book to do the same. Makes no sense (shocking 🙄) they want to take this from our school library shelves.

[Ciara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a brilliant and contemplative story. I wish I had gotten this on kindle. I think my copy may have water damage from all my tears... (sorry cooper)

Ps. Why is this kids book way better than most adult books I have read?

[Makenna Hix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carry me home was a tough book to read through and mainly for the emotional impact of it. It was definitely emotional and thought-provoking. I work as a school social worker so homeless youth is a population I have helped with some. This book made me reflect on how I approach conversations with students. It’s made me reflect on my own social work practices.

I really enjoyed reading about the characters and I felt like there were good arcs for the characters. It was hard to think that kids this young are homeless, but all too often it is a reality.

About halfway through I kept wondering how could this continue? How is no one checking in to this more? But then I think of how many kids stay under the radar of school officials until something finally breaks through the surface of secrecy.

This book is great in that anyone can take and learn from this book. As parents it’s a good book to read together and answer any questions your kid may have, or identify trusted adults your child can go to for help. As kids you could read this book and have conversations with friends on how you can help others that may be exhibiting signs of homelessness or signs of needing help. As school employees this can be a good book to reflect on your current practices with homeless youth and families. What is your district doing to help?

If you want to read a book that is thought provoking but also on the emotional side, this is a good one. It’s a conversation starter.

[Lucy G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little scary but it was also heartwarming and had moments of peace. I read this book because 1 of the character’s names is Lulu! One of my nicknames is Lulu! Thank you Janet Fox for writing this book 📕

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lulu and Serena live in a car with their father. When he disappears Lulu takes care of her younger sister while trying to hide that they’re alone.

CARRY ME HOME is a younger MG novel that explores homelessness in an overly optimistic manner without any villains or neglectful parents. While a good introduction for young children who haven’t been exposed to poverty and homelessness, older kids likely won’t identify with the story.

[Rebecca McPhedran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Maine Student Book Award Nominee for 2022|2023

Wow! What a beautiful story about young sisters named Lulu and Serena. Their family has had some struggles. When Lulu wakes up one morning, and finds her father gone, she knows she must carry on. A well told story that highlights the fact that homelessness is rampant within our country. And that those that are experiencing it, aren’t without hope.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely book. Sad to read in many ways, but the ending was lovely. I am so glad that things ended the way they did, because I was worried for the characters in many places.
I loved the dynamic of Lulu and the people in her life. How she is a protector for Serena, the way that her friendships develop.
Absolutely would recommend this book.

[Dramapuppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional and heartfelt

I think it could have done with a a higher word count since no characters besides Lulu have time for an arc, leaving the subplots slightly flat. I wasn’t surprised when the acknowledgments reveal the author wrote the book in a month.

Even so, I cared about Lulu and couldn’t put it down

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Lulu Johnson wakes up one morning in the family's Suburban to find that her father is missing. The Johnsons have moved from Texas to a small town in Montana in order for her father to find work and to avoid paying the huge hospital bills he owes for his wife's illness as well as other financial burdens. The area is beautiful, but Lulu longs for a real home. She also worries that her father has left them behind as he did once before although she doubts that he'd leave them so isolated with no resources or anyone to step in to help them. Because she fears being separated from her little sister Serena, Lulu doesn't say anything about their plight. Lulu attracts the attention of Deana, a classmate whose family is well to do. For some reason, Deana delights in ridiculing Lulu, making fun of her smell and her clothing. But another classmate, Jack, befriends her and encourages her to try out for the school musical because of her singing voice. She does so and beats out Deana for the lead role. Play rehearsal becomes the only bright spot in her days. But it also causes problems with the after-care for Serena since she's often late to pick up her sister, and the volunteers working there must wait for her to arrive. The author effectively describes the hunger and anxieties experienced by Lulu and her desperation to keep flying below the radar even when some adults seem concerned. Thank goodness there's a hopeful ending as the answer to her father's whereabouts are revealed, and Deana realizes that there's more to Lulu than she assumed. Just like a child might, Lulu folds origami cranes in hopes that everything will work out and her wish to have her family be safe and together will come true. I appreciated this sympathetic depiction of homelessness as well as the kindness of those around this small family. One of the devices that the author uses to make the story more effective is the use of chapter headings such as Now, Before, Way Before, and Way, Way Before for flashbacks that reveal how the family came to be in their current circumstances. Since the book begins with the father's disappearance, this allows the previous events to be revealed slowly and draws readers into the book immediately. I'd certainly add this one to the growing canon of books on homelessness alongside that ever touching middle grade novel, How to Steal a Dog. This one will pluck at readers' heartstrings, maybe preventing some of them from making hurtful comments at those they are judging before knowing their circumstances. While things come together rather smoothly in the end, I was okay with that because I was relieved for these two youngsters. They deserved better.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @blue_slip-media for sharing this poignant book about homelessness.

Lulu, Serena and their daddy live in their old Suburban SUV which is hidden among the trees on the edge of an RV park in a small Montana town. Daddy works in construction during the week, while the girls are at school, but Saturdays are different. Every Saturday they go to the food pantry, the laundromat and the library. The library and the kind librarian, Ms. Maurene, are the best part of Lulu’s week. It’s not a bad life, but Lulu yearns for a real home; one like the little house they left behind in Texas after Mama died. And then one morning, Lulu wakes up, her daddy has disappeared and life is suddenly even worse.

Oh, my heart. This is a story about homelessness, falling through the cracks and kindness. I finished this story in one sitting and was left with such a feeling of hope, which I was very much in need of right now. Here are a few of the people who inspired me.

Lulu who tried her best to keep her little sister safe, after Daddy disappeared

Jack who shared his milk with Lulu everyday when he realized she was thirsty and persuaded Lulu to tryout for the school musical, which brought Lulu much needed joy

The school proctor who gently told Lulu about the coat drive so she could get winter coats for Serena and herself

The kind ladies at the coat drive who helped the girls find coats (no questions asked) and then offered them matching hats

Ms. Maurene, the librarian who befriended Lulu and took her home with her when she realized she had no home

Laurie, the caring after school proctor who taught Lulu to make the paper cranes, a symbol of hope

A stranger who found her daddy unconscious in a field and called for help

The kind foster family who took care of Serena

Deena who invited her to her home when Lulu needed a friend

Lulu’s daddy’s boss who helped her daddy recuperate and build a home for his girls

Ms. Maurene’s husband, an attorney who helped Lulu’s daddy find a way to pay the family’s medical bill

This book, which is sure to stay in your heart, is available tomorrow. It’s one that deserves to be in every elementary and middle school library collection. Finally, don’t miss the amazing cover illustration and design by @henrycoledraws and @lizbethanne.

[Christy (WeReadLikeThat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a 12-year old girl, Lulu, who finds herself living in a car with her father and younger sister after the death of her mother leads to insurmountable medical debt.

It’s fiction… but it’s not.

Then her dad disappears and Lulu has to care for her sister alone, all the while fearing they’ll be separated if discovered.

Despite the heavy topic, this book is ultimately a story about kindness. It’s about being present in our communities, paying attention to those in need of help, and offering whatever assistance we can. It’s about how one person can truly make a difference in the life of another, even when the greater societal problem of homelessness feels so overwhelming. And it’s a reminder that anyone can find themselves in a similar situation, through no fault of their own.

Lulu’s story was so beautifully told. I didn’t even get into the paper cranes! 🥺 I *highly* recommend this book to anyone.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jill Ramig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fell in love with this book right away! Short chapters. Compelling story.

Lulu's family live in their car after her mother dies and they can't pay her medical bills. Moving to a small town in Montana they are unprepared for the cold winter. When Lulu's father disappears one morning Lulu works hard to keep her and her sister together. Homelessness shown in a compassionate way. @janetsfox #bookexcursion

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a lump in my throat for more than half of this book. Beautifully written, achingly sad, but full of hope. Thank you, Ms. Fox, for this gem.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in a couple hours (gotta love short MG books!). I cried through the whole thing. Not sure my eyes work anymore.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the Advanced Reading Copy of this book!

This was a smaller book, but I felt like the writing was extremely solid and well done. Homelessness isn't an easy topic to write about, especially children experiencing homelessness. I truly felt for these children while their dad was gone. The older one having to take care of the younger one. The fear of being found out and the possibility of being separated. It was heart wrenching, but also very heartwarming by the end.

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was not the best book I have read , but it is the only book I've read with that plot.


Twelve year old Lulu and her younger sister Serena have kept a secret. There dad has gone missing for awhile and they have been living in an RV and they have to pay rent but they dont have enough money. Then Lulu makes some new friends and learns to trust them, and they finally find there true home.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read that I picked up from our middle school library before summer began, and I'd love to use it as a book club choice for my 7th graders in one of our units next school year. The story is written in third person, through the eyes of the main character, Lulu, who lives in a van with her younger sister and father. It has a great message about the consideration of others and what they could possibly be going through, given that the family is homeless. The only thing I didn't love was that the ending seemed a bit unrealistic to me, but I won't spoil too much. I think this is mostly due to the fact that the book is intended for middle grades, so that probably isn't a detrimental factor for the target audience.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A punch in the gut about homelessness and the impact it has on children. A series of tragedies leads to the main character, her sister, and father living in their car. When her father disappears, Lulu desperately tries to keep her and her sister going. The ending is a bit rushed, but this book had me in tears.

[Hillary Benitez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet, quick read in the eyes of a 12yr old girl & her sister, homeless, living out of their car with their father. Their father disappears & it goes through the thoughts of Lulu & what she must do - Learning trust, and love in the end. 💕

[Ella Bo Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sated slow, but trust me it gets better. This book made me think of what some kids go thought when they think that telling someone will make it worse. Trust me it can help. The best thing to do can to tell someone!

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in tandem with my daughter so that we could have a discussion about preconceptions of people. How there is always more going on beneath the surface. Even though you may know someone there STILL maybe more going on. But also a discussion on homelessness. I would recommend this to 4th and up. Books are a great bridge to open up discussions and this broached the topics of Child Protective Services, grief, homelessness and safe vs. dangerous secrets.

[Breanna Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classroom read!

[Jennifer Perkins Propes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I intend to purchase this for my elementary library as I think it's a sensitively told story about the painful reality of homelessness. While most of my students will only see homelessness if they travel to the city an hour away, and very possibly not even then, we do have many families who are never settled and always moving from one temporary spot to another—none of which are ever home.

I usually have a few readers each year seeking "sad" stories, and while this one does have a hopeful ending, I know those kids will appreciate the gentle way the author shares the heartbreaking struggles of two sisters. Lulu and Serena find themselves first with no mother, then no home, and then no father...just a Suburban filled with a few dollars and each other. Serena does eventually come to recognize that there are others she can trust and the importance of allowing a community to love you.

I appreciate multiple timelines and it seems that the majority of adult fiction books I've read this year features those, but I do think it can confuse some growing readers.. They don't always pay attention to details such as the chapter headings that give important contextual information. In this case, the author uses the headings Before, Way Before, and Now to distinguish between timelines. I'll just be sure to point this out to my younger readers. I think those in third grade up into middle school would enjoy this.

Big thanks for NetGalley and the publisher!

[Kat Mais · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023-2024 Truman nominee. Lulu’s story from living in a car to trying to keep her sister safe after her dad disappears. I had a hard time putting this book down and I rarely read a physical book any more but this was worth it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touched my heart and helped me to be more thankful and content with what I have. Lulu, the main character, was so brave, yet carried burdens a child shouldn’t carry—trying to find food, rent money, and a place to wash clothes while caring for her younger sister and not knowing where her father went. A quick read that will touch your heart!

[Character Building Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are stories that make us better as people, and Janet Fox's Carry Me Home is one of those. In this contemporary middle grade novel, Fox tells the story of the Johnson family, Lulu, 12, her father, and her younger sister, Serena. After the death of Lulu's mother, their life unraveled, as grief pulled apart the stable home they had built. Lulu's father is so trapped in his sadness, he is unable to work or to manage the mountains of bills they amassed during his wife's cancer treatments. Driven by despair, he first leaves the children with their stern aunt for a month before returning to whisk them away for a life on the road, traveling, living, and sleeping in their old Suburban. And Lulu adapts to it all, until the morning she wakes up and her father is gone, his cell phone, wallet, and $60.65 all that remain to keep Lulu and Serena safe and protected.

As Lulu struggles to keep Serena warm, fed, and reassured, she spins from fear to anger to grief, reliving the months that led up to their flight from Texas and their arrival in Montana. With steely resolve, she vows to protect Serena and keep their shredded family together, a weight far too great for her shoulders, and when things fall apart, Lulu is left alone, without her sister, their Suburban home, or anything but the backpack on her back. Only when her strength is played out does she crumble enough to ask for help.

Fox's story is gentle and quiet, but so powerful, driven by the relationship she builds between readers and her characters. We care about Lulu enough to worry about her, and we want to be the ones to help her. Through a realistic story, Fox illuminates the problem of homelessness and invites her readers to become Mrs. M.'s and Hanks, Jacks and Deanas, to become the people who help without judgment.

[Alondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to read an arc version of this book!

Wow, this was a sweet book. Lulu is a powerful main character--she has the best of intentions and desires for her sister and father, but she is also young and just trying to be happy, so some of her actions can appear selfish or unthoughtful. As a teacher, I was thinking of this book through the lens of, “Would I teach this?”, “What would students stand to gain?”. This is a solid empathy-building book centered on a family experiencing housing insecurity/homelessness, best suited for middle grade students. Lulu experiences ups and downs, and finds hope in other people through their kind and generous actions. Carry Me Home feels heavy at times, but there are moments of light to keep the reader engaged. Highly recommend this book--still reflecting on whether it is appropriate for my own classroom!