Nowhere Better Than Here
by Sarah Guillory
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In a town slowly being destroyed by rising tides, one girl must fight to find a way to keep her community's spirit from drowning.
For thirteen-year-old Jillian Robichaux, three things are sacred: bayou sunsets, her grandmother Nonnie's stories, and the coastal Louisiana town of Boutin that she calls home.
When the worst flood in a century hits, Jillian and the rest of her community band together as they always do--but this time the damage may simply be too great. After the local school is padlocked and the bridges into town condemned, Jillian has no choice but to face the reality that she may be losing the only home she's ever had.
But even when all hope seems lost, Jillian is determined to find a way to keep Boutin and its indomitable spirit alive. With the help of friends new and old, a loveable golden retriever, and Nonnie's storytelling wisdom, Jillian does just that in this timely and heartfelt story of family, survival, and hope.
In her stunning debut middle grade novel, Sarah Guillory has written a lush story about an indomitable girl fighting against the effects of climate change.
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Book Details
- ISBN
- 9781250824264
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Authors
- Sarah Guillory
- Publisher
- Roaring Brook Press
- Published Date
- September 20, 2022
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 256
- Physical Info
- 8.46 in L x 5.68 in W (0.72 lb)
My 8 yr old 3rd grader brought this home from her school library and could not put it down. She read it each night (sometimes out loud to us and sometimes to herself) and then would start reading again when she woke up (making her very nearly late for school).When she finished I asked her what happened and she shared where the family (and dog) ended up and then opened the book and read me the last sentence. It was such a sweet moment! I hope the author sees this comment.
Her writing is smooth and beautiful and full of delightful word pictures of life in southern Louisiana. I found myself highlighting many sentences and phrases simply because of their beauty and wisdom. Realistic and interesting characters. In addition to the powerful main story line, the author delves into the complication of relationships, especially for children whose parents are divorced. I taught middle school students for 24 years; the author shows great insight into their feelings and thinking. A healthy book for any middle school student. An engrossing book for anyone of any age!
This book just shot to the top of my favorite list. Real, honest, important, and urgent — an age appropriate look at climate change and its effects without watering down or painting a hopeless picture for a middle grade reader. I think every kid should read this book.
Jillian Robichaux is 13 and living in Boutin, LA. A rainstorm came through causing major flooding. She learns that much of what is under water will remain that way and place her Nonnie took her fishing were once land and part of the town.This is a great middle grade to show how things change and that is is okay.
Even though Guillory’s book is characterized as a middle grade book, there is plenty for adults to love about this story…loyalty, courage, family, and facing situations beyond our control. The heroine of the story is determined to do something to save part of her heritage, even when the odds are decidedly against her.
