The Exact Location of Home

by Kate Messner (Author)

The Exact Location of Home
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Kate Messner pens a new moving tale of family and friendship about a tech-savvy boy searching for his father during tough times. Kirby Zig Zigonski lives for the world of simple circuits, light bulbs, buzzers, and motors. Electronics are, after all, much more predictable than most people--especially his father, who he hasn't seen in over a year. When his dad's latest visit is canceled with no explanation and his mom seems to be hiding something, Zig turns to his best friend Gianna and a new gizmo--a garage sale GPS unit--for help. Convinced that his dad is leaving clues around town to explain his absence, Zig sets out to find him. Following one clue after another, logging mile after mile, Zig soon discovers that people aren't always what they seem . . . and sometimes, there's more than one set of coordinates for home. An important story of love and hope that will capture readers' hearts, The Exact Location of Home is another must read from beloved author Kate Messner.
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$8.99

Review quotes

"Authentic . . . . Middle school worries and social issues skillfully woven into a moving, hopeful, STEM-related tale." —Kirkus Reviews

"Vivid characters and situations, along with clear, simple writing and plotting, make this an accessible and enlightening read . . . A gentle but truthful look at poverty and homelessness." —School Library Journal

"Messner delivers a sensitive and realistic portrayal of financial stress, the realities of living in a shelter, and how both take a toll. Zig's crush on Gianna and the mystery surrounding Zig's father will keep readers hooked, but it's his bonds with his mother and friends that will stay with them." —Publishers Weekly

"Messner gently overturns some stereotypes about homeless shelters and their residents." —Booklist

"Laced with humor and heart . . . an insightful and affecting read." —Booklist on THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z

"An engaging saga." —Kirkus Reviews on THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z

"Plot twists keep readers engaged, and Messner's warm and humorous tone will capture even reluctant readers." —School Library Journal on THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z

"An empathetic, beautiful, magical, fiercely necessary book that stares unflinchingly at the very real challenges contemporary kids face and gently assures them they are not alone. Kate Messner gives her readers a story to cherish." —author of BREADCRUMBS on THE SEVENTH WISH

"Hopeful, empathetic, and unusually enlightening." —Kirkus Reviews on THE SEVENTH WISH

"It's no surprise that Kate Messner's magic pen could write a charming, moving, funny, and ultimately very surprising story about a magic pencil!" —New York Times bestselling author of 11 BIRTHDAYS on ALL THE ANSWERS

Kate Messner
Kate Messner is passionately curious and writes books for kids who like to wonder. A former teacher, she has written more than thirty picture books, chapter books, and novels for young readers. Kate Messner lives on Lake Champlain with her family.

Heather Ross is an illustrator and fabric designer. She lives in New York City and the Catskill Mountains.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781681198989
Lexile Measure
620
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Publication date
September 11, 2018
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV013000 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | General
JUV049000 - Juvenile Fiction | Computers & Digital Media
Library of Congress categories
-

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