Where I Live

Eileen Spinelli's "Where I Live" is a tenderhearted chapter book in verse that follows Diana, a young girl who deeply loves her home and her best friend, Rose. When her father loses his job, her family must move far away to live with Grandpa Joe, forcing Diana to confront the loss of her familiar world. The book gently explores her feelings of sadness and uncertainty, as well as her journey to find a new sense of belonging and happiness. Matt Phelan's warm illustrations beautifully complement the lyrical text, making it an accessible and comforting read for children aged 4-11 who are experiencing or anticipating a move or significant change. It's a story about resilience, the enduring power of family, and the idea that change, though difficult, can lead to personal growth.

Diana loves where she lives. She loves the astronomy charts on her walls and the fact that she can wave to her best friend, Rose, from her very own window. And best of all, a wren has recently made its home right by her front door! When her family is forced to move, Diana wonders if she'll ever find that same grounded and happy feeling again. This gentle and ultimately redeeming story in poems is about those secure and fulfilling friendships that happen naturally and easily when you live right next door, and the struggles of losing the comfort of a familiar place. Matt Phelan's warm and expressive illustrations perfectly complement Eileen Spinelli's tenderhearted and unique tale that reminds us that sometimes a little uprooting and change is necessary for growth.