Going Home

Going Home follows two young siblings, Milly and Micky, whose lives are disrupted when their father abandons the family and their mother is hospitalized. The children find themselves under the care of their aunt and uncle, who attempt to provide stability during this difficult time. When their temporary guardians plan a narrowboat holiday in Normandy, France, the children feel out of place and disconnected from their new surroundings. They make the bold decision to return to England on their own, setting in motion an adventurous journey across foreign terrain. The narrative tracks their resourceful attempts to navigate their way home through France, relying on their wits and determination. Throughout their journey, the siblings must work together while facing various challenges and encounters. Going Home explores themes of family bonds, resilience, and the complex meaning of "home" through the lens of two children confronting unexpected change. The story examines how young people cope with family crisis and find their own path forward.

Readers describe this young adult novel as an authentic portrayal of a teenage girl's struggles balancing horseback riding with family relationships and growing up. Readers appreciated: - The realistic emotional depth of the main character Ruth - Accurate depictions of horse care and riding - Complex family dynamics without easy solutions - British countryside setting details Common criticisms: - Slower pacing compared to other books in the series - Less focus on competitive riding than previous novels - Some found Ruth's attitude frustrating Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (132 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (21 reviews) "The book shows how complicated real life can be, especially when you're young and trying to figure everything out," noted one Goodreads reviewer. An Amazon reviewer commented: "Not as exciting as Fly-By-Night, but a more mature story that deals with important themes."

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🌟 Navigating French waterways by narrowboat can take several weeks, as the speed limit is typically only 4-8 kilometers per hour. 🌟 K. M. Peyton (born 1929) has written over 50 children's books during her career, notably winning the Carnegie Medal for "Flambards" in 1969. 🌟 Normandy's extensive canal system was largely developed during the 19th century to transport goods, but today is primarily used for tourism and leisure. 🌟 Children traveling alone in France must carry specific documentation, including a signed authorization letter from their parents - making Milly and Micky's journey particularly daring. 🌟 K. M. Peyton began writing stories at age 9 and had her first novel published when she was just 15 years old.