TL;DR
'A Long Way from Chicago' is a heartwarming, humorous tale of Joey and Mary Alice's summers with their feisty grandmother, set during the Great Depression.
What is A Long Way from Chicago about
'A Long Way from Chicago' by Richard Peck is a coming-of-age novel set during the Great Depression. It centers around siblings Joey and Mary Alice, who leave their Chicago home every summer to visit their spirited and unconventional grandmother, Grandma Dowdel, in a small Illinois town. Over nine summers, they experience various adventures and learn life lessons that shape their growth into adulthood. The episodic structure of the narrative showcases the children's evolving relationship with their grandmother and each other.
A Long Way from Chicago 7 Key Takeaways
Introduction to Grandma Dowdel
Joey and Mary Alice first meet their formidable Grandma Dowdel, a woman full of surprises and unconventional wisdom, setting the stage for their summer adventures.
Illegal Fishing Trip
Grandma Dowdel takes Joey and Mary Alice on a fishing trip where they catch fish using illegal methods, highlighting her rebellious spirit.
The Phantom Brakeman
The children encounter a ghost story involving the Phantom Brakeman, which adds a sense of mystery and adventure to their summer.
The County Fair
Joey enters a pie-baking contest under Grandma's guidance, leading to a series of humorous and unexpected events.
Helping Vandalia
The siblings assist Vandalia, a young girl in trouble, showing the compassionate side of Grandma Dowdel.
The Tornado
A tornado hits the town, and Grandma Dowdel's resourcefulness and bravery come to the forefront, offering a new perspective on her character.
Leaving for World War II
Joey leaves for World War II, marking a poignant moment in the family's history and symbolizing the end of their childhood summers.
Top A Long Way from Chicago Quotes
- "You never know what you can do until you try."
- "Things never turn out exactly the way you plan them."
Who should read A Long Way from Chicago?
This book is perfect for children aged 8 and up, as well as their parents. It's especially appealing to readers who enjoy humorous and heartwarming stories about family and personal growth.
A Long Way from Chicago Best Reviews
- "A Long Way from Chicago is a delightful, multi-layered read that captures the essence of childhood summers and the complexities of family relationships." - The New York Times
- "Richard Peck's storytelling is both heartwarming and hilarious, making it a perfect read for both children and adults." - Publishers Weekly
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A Long Way from Chicago FAQs
What grade level is 'A Long Way from Chicago'?
The book is suitable for kids aged 8 and up, as well as their parents.
What is the main idea of 'A Long Way from Chicago'?
The main idea is coming of age, as it explores how Joey and Mary Alice find their own paths to adulthood through their summer adventures with Grandma Dowdel.