Shannon's Library

LET’S GET EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!

Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have lived on the road in an old school bus for five years – ever since the tragic accident that took the lives of three of their family members. They haven’t been back home once in all of that time. When Coyote hears about plans to demolish a park in her old neighborhood, along with one of her greatest treasures, she knows it’s time to convince her dad to go home. Easier said than done – and some trickery might need to happen! Over the course of thousands of miles, with a crew of misfit travelers along for the ride, Coyote and her dad will learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all. But with friends by their side, they just might be able to get their “happily ever after.”

Shannon’s Rating – PG

---

LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK!

A few weeks ago, on my Instagram page I talked a little bit about grief and the loss of my little sister. This topic generated a lot of good discussions with some of my new Instagram friends. One in particular mentioned that she, too, had lost a sibling and knew what that kind of grief felt like. While discussing books on grief, she told me about this book, “The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise,” by Dan Gemeinhart.

First of all, I totally would have purchased and read this book based solely on the cover. It’s adorable. (And, yes, I most definitely judge books by their covers!)

While marketed as a middle-grade novel for ages 9-12, personally I feel like it would be better served to Junior High age and older. There were some heavier themes that perhaps younger kids wouldn’t quite be ready for.

That being said, this was a very sweet story that touched my heart. There are pervasive themes of love, friendship, service and kindness – and how all of these things are necessary to heal from the tragedies and trials that come into our lives.

As Coyote says…

There is so much happiness in the world.
There is so much sadness in the world.
There is just so MUCH in the world.

Yes there is. But as Coyote and her dad discover, we can get through it all together.

Before a stranger is allowed on their bus, they are asked a series of questions by Rodeo – one of which is always “What is your favorite book?” While the characters in this story didn’t seem to have a problem with this question and were able to answer it easily – this question always gives me such anxiety. How can I possibly pick ONE favorite book when I love so many!?! I’m afraid Rodeo would start up the engine of the bus and drive away before I would finally be able to name my favorite book!! Anyone else relate to this stress??

I loved Coyote. I loved her messed-up, hippy dad. I loved Salvador. I even loved the cat (and I’m a dog person so that is really saying something!) I loved everything about this book. I laughed. I cried. But most of all I cheered! Go read it!