The Way Back Home

Allan Stratton

Winner of the Scelte di classe 2019

Zoe Bird is going nowhere fast. She’s angry and lonely, and her only true friend is her granny, whose Alzheimer’s is worsening. When her parents put Granny in a home, Zoe decides now is the time to break free. She smuggles Granny out and together they hit the tracks on a cross-country trip to find Zoe’s long-lost uncle. But there will be some home truths along the way. . .
An emotional story about family, surviving school and being true to yourself for fans of The Art of Being Normal and Unbecoming.

Reviews

"The Way Back Home is a heartfelt, riveting novel from a master of his craft"
Quill and Quire

"I love this book — a riveting page-turner full of likeable, flawed, believable people. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, yet wonderfully funny. Stratton writes some of the wittiest dialogue in YA fiction today."
Susin Nielsen

"The Way Back Home is raw, funny, brutal and profoundly humane. It broke my heart and then healed it again"
Susan Juby

"Terrific. I read it in one big gulp. Does Stratton have an ear for dialogue or what? His splendid new novel involves a journey from a painful past into something like, well, utter grace. Like all of Stratton's work, this is a read that makes us recognise the pilgrimages we are all on, and cheer at the thought that they might, they really might, be successful."
Gary D Schmidt

"An emotional story of survival, loss, family and memory... a thought-provoking book that is both shocking and funny in equal measure"
Carousel

"The novel discusses many important topics such as bullying, mental health and the loss of a loved one. Zoe's experiences are certain to resonate with young teenagers, making it an honest and relatable read"
INIS

"An absorbing and emotionally truthful story about the conflict between generations and the misunderstandings that can break families apart"
The School Librarian

"By turns heartbreaking and hilarious, and always life-affirming, this will be adored by readers who enjoyed Jacqueline Wilson at a younger age."
Joanne Owen - Lovereading4Kids

"Thought-provoking, sad, touching and funny... this is a book which does not fear discussing sexuality and transgender issues and how, like age and illness, they can marginalise people."
Armadillo Magazine

"Raw and moving, this is a powerful read about a very special friendship."
Inis Reading Guide