Almost Home

I remember reading this in around, oh maybe seventh grade, and it completely opened my perspective at the time on what homelessness, mental illness, and the importance of learning you can choose your own family, meant. It is an incredible book, perfect for many ages and reading levels. It follows the journey of a bright, spunky young girl as she navigates through many difficulties only some of which are- being uprooted from her life, a deadbeat father, and losing almost everything she owns. She braves all this with the help of her late grandfather's advice, the support of her eccentric English teacher, and the company of her mother and a little dog named Shush. It sheds light upon some very difficult real world issues in a way that is digestible for all ages, and leaves you feeling warm and thoughtful at the end, with a multitude of wise adages and proverbs to carry with you.