42 pages • 1 hour read
A Long Way from Chicago
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Book Brief
148
Novel • Fiction
Illinois • 1930s
1998
Middle grade
8-12 years
750L
Super Short Summary
A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck, written in 1998, is a series of short stories about siblings Joey and Mary Alice who spend six summers (1929-1935) with their grandmother in a small town. Over these summers, they experience various adventures, learning important life lessons about family, respect, and appreciating different lifestyles and wisdom.
Humorous
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Adventurous
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
36,014 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Richard Peck's A Long Way from Chicago is praised for its vibrant storytelling and nostalgic depiction of rural America, with memorable characters and humor. However, some critics find the episodic structure less cohesive. Overall, it's celebrated as a charming children's novel with both heart and wit.
Who Should Read A Long Way from Chicago?
Readers who enjoy A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck are typically drawn to nostalgic, humorous, and heartwarming tales of childhood and family. Fans of Holes by Louis Sachar or Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo will appreciate the vivid characters and engaging storytelling.
36,014 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
148
Novel • Fiction
Illinois • 1930s
1998
Middle grade
8-12 years
750L
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