Homefree

Reviewed by Tabytha Joy (age 15) for Reader Views (8/07) "Homefree" is about a group of teenagers who have a special talent. Some of these teens can look into the future, leave their body and go to a different location; others can do multiple things. At the beginning, all the teens start out confused about what is happening. That was until Mme. Papinchak explained to each child, as they came in, exactly what was going on. They learned what the talents meant and how to use them. At first, it was Mme. Papinchak's job to find the teens with the special talents, and send them to Homefree. The main character, Easter Hutton, can astral project. That means that she can leave her body and travel to another location while being invisible. Once Mme. Papinchak finds Easter, she tells Easter that it is now her job to track down the other teens with "special talents." They all get sent to a private school and learn to control their powers while still working on their general education. "Homefree" is a wonderful book for anyone who likes to travel back into the past. I really enjoyed reading this book. My favorite part of this book is when Easter's mother, Nikki, caused a scene with James Dean right in front of the public! The reason I like this book is because, first of all, the scene with James Dean came very unexpectedly in "Homefree." And second, because it is not often that someone will cause a scene in front of the public. The ending of "Homefree" was good, but really sad. I never would have thought that a mother would leave her only child behind when she wanted another child to begin with. This is very sad. But it seems to happen too often. Great job Nina!

Easter Hutton hasn't had an easy life. After her parents divorced, her dad disappeared and her self-centered mom started in on a string of new husbands and boyfriends, dragging Easter along with her. One new town and high school after another, Easter rarely develops friendships, making her life not only confusing and unsettling but lonely as well. The one exception is Andrew. He lives in Atlanta, where Easter resided a few moves ago, yet he and Easter still talk via email. He is the one person who keeps Easter sane. Most recently, Easter and her mother moved to Tampa, Florida. Her mother is pregnant, and her mother's married boyfriend has moved them out of the picture while he (supposedly) breaks the news to his wife. Easter's new school is just like the others; she's been there two weeks with no hope of any potential friends. In fact, the entire school thinks she's a freak. Then something strange starts happening. Easter sort of blacks out, as if she's asleep, but with her eyes open. She definitely isn't dreaming, though. The first time it happens, she finds herself in her old house in Indiana. She witnesses another teenager living there, yet the teen can't see her. The next time, she arrives in her old bedroom in West Virginia. Easter figures out that she is somehow astral-projecting herself right out of her own body! But why? And how? Then, if possible, Easter's life grows even more complicated. Her mom has a miscarriage, ending up in the hospital. And her best friend, Andrew, disappears! Easter continues to astral-project, but she doesn't seem to have any say in when or where she goes. She finally gets some answers, from her French teacher of all people. Madame Papinchak is part of an organization called Homefree that works with kids who have special and unusual talents, like Easter and her friend Andrew. Easter has no clue about the excitement and adventure she is getting into, or about the best part of all --- finally finding a home where she belongs. Author Nina Wright continues to prove that she has a talent for writing. She uses a descriptive flair that helps readers connect with the characters and a sense of humor that adds a few laughs along the way. HOMEFREE is a story filled with imagination and page-turning excitement. And fans can look forward to more mystical adventures with Easter and the Homefree organization --- a sequel is due out in the fall of 2007. --- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND

I really enjoyed this book! It opened very mysteriously and maintained the suspense until the end. The whole concept of "Homefree" and how it involves teens with supernatural powers is very cool. I'd love to read more about Easter and her mystical friends. I hope a sequel is in the works! Linda Joy Singleton author of The Seer series

Easter Hutton thinks she "just might have the worst life in the world". Her parents are divorced, she's had her fair share of step-dad/boyfriend experiences, and now her mother is pregnant. Add to that a temporary home in a rundown Florida trailer park and a new school where her classmates would rather throw raw eggs at Easter than talk to her, and the reader will agree that her life is not the greatest. If all that is not bad enough, Easter has begun "astral-projecting". One minute she is in French class and the next, she's back in her old apartment in Atlanta with a blind man and a mad parrot. What is going on? As her personal life seems to be exploding around her, Easter's strange new experiences bring her in contact with other teens who have similar special abilities. With the help of some old friends and new acquaintances, Easter discovers there's a place for special people - Homefree - and she's been invited. In HOMEFREE, author Nina Wright creates a wonderful mix of reality and fascinating paranormal activity. Easter's less-than-perfect life is so believable that when the "weird" stuff starts happening, the reader just hangs on and goes along for the ride. This book would be a great addition to any classroom or library. Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

Eccentrics abound in this teen book that will intrigue adults, too. Ms. Wright has come up with a main character who, I hope, will charm us in many books to come. Great children with great powers makes for great reading.