
A parent should reach for this book when their child is feeling lonely and displaced after a move, especially to an unfamiliar environment like the country. "Home from Home" tells the story of Miranda, a city girl who is miserable after her family relocates. She feels like an outsider at her new school and longs for her old life. The book gently explores her journey as she befriends another lonely child and they discover a secret, abandoned cottage that they make their own. It's a quiet, reassuring story for ages 8 to 11 that validates the sadness of leaving a home behind while showing that friendship and a little independence can help create a new sense of belonging anywhere.
The book deals directly with the emotional pain of loneliness and the social challenges of being a newcomer, including mild bullying. The approach is secular and realistic. The resolution is hopeful: the external problems don't magically disappear, but the children are empowered by their friendship and secret project, allowing them to cope and thrive.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA thoughtful, perhaps introverted child aged 8-11 who is grappling with the emotional fallout of a recent or impending move. This is perfect for a child who feels like they'll never fit in or find a new friend, and who appreciates quieter, character-driven stories over high-action plots.
This book can be read cold. The bullying is very mild by contemporary standards. A parent might want to be prepared to discuss the theme of keeping a major secret from parents. The book frames it as a positive act of childhood independence, which could be a useful conversation starter about trust and safety. A parent has just seen their child looking wistfully at old photos, or heard them say, "I miss my old house," or "Nobody at my new school wants to play with me." The child seems withdrawn and is struggling to adjust after a move.
A younger reader (8-9) will likely focus on the adventure of finding and fixing up the secret cottage. They will see it as the ultimate clubhouse story. An older reader (10-12) will connect more deeply with the internal emotional journey: the feelings of being an outsider and the profound comfort of finding one person who truly understands you.
In a sea of books about moving, this one stands out for its quiet, gentle pacing and its focus on the children's agency. It's not about adults solving the problem. It’s about two kids who carve out their own physical and emotional space to make themselves feel at home. Its classic, 1970s feel provides a nostalgic, 'free-range' childhood experience that is unique.
Miranda, a girl accustomed to city life, is unhappy and isolated after her family moves to a small country village. She is ostracized and mildly bullied at her new school. She finds a kindred spirit in Paul, another outsider. Together, they discover a derelict cottage in the woods. They clean it up and furnish it, creating a private sanctuary that becomes their 'home from home', a secret world that gives them the confidence and resilience to navigate their real lives.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.