A Long Way from Chicago: A Novel in Stories

Each summer over the nine years of the Depression, Joey and his sister Mary Alice--two city slickers from Chicago--make their annual summer visit to Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town. Soon enough, they find it's far from sleepy and Grandma is far from your typical grandmother. A Newbery Honor Book A summer they'll never forget.

Each summer Joey and his sister, Mary Alice--two city slickers from Chicago--visit Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town. Soon enough, they find that it's far from sleepy...and Grandma is far from your typical grandmother. From seeing their first corpse (and he isn't resting easy) to helping Grandma trespass, catch the sheriff in his underwear, and feed the hungry--all in one day--Joey and Mary Alice have nine summers they'll never forget!

A rollicking celebration of an eccentric grandmother and childhood memories. --School Library Journal, starred review

Each tale is a small masterpiece of storytelling. --The Horn Book, starred review

Grandma Dowdel embodies not only the heart of a small town but the spirit of an era gone by...Remarkable and fine. --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

A Newbery Honor Book A National Book Award Finalist An ALA Notable Book An ALA Best Book for Young Adults