Plot Summary

The House You Pass on the Way

Jacqueline Woodson
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The House You Pass on the Way

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1997

Book Brief

Jacqueline Woodson

The House You Pass on the Way

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Carolina • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

1997

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

Lexile Level

HL690L

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Super Short Summary

In The House You Pass on the Way by Jacqueline Woodson, fourteen-year-old Evangeline, nicknamed Staggerlee, navigates a summer of self-discovery in the town of Sweet Gum, South Carolina, as she faces issues of racism and explores her emerging sexuality through a deep friendship with her cousin Trout. The novel emphasizes the complexities of love and identity in a young person's life. The book includes themes of racism and sexual identity.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Hopeful

Emotional

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

1,850 ratings

62%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jacqueline Woodson's The House You Pass on the Way has been praised for its lyrical prose and delicate handling of complex themes such as identity, family, and sexuality. Critics applaud Woodson's nuanced character development and emotional depth. However, some find the plot's pacing slow and desire more resolution. Overall, it is celebrated for its poignant storytelling and representation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The House You Pass on the Way?

Readers who appreciate The House You Pass on the Way by Jacqueline Woodson are typically drawn to coming-of-age stories with strong themes of identity, race, and sexuality. Fans of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar will find similar emotional depth and exploration of self-discovery in this novel.

4.0

1,850 ratings

62%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Carolina • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

1997

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

Lexile Level

HL690L

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