This is a rough, emotional story, but also a story full of hope and love. Opin is living in a car with his mom and older brother, Emjay, since they left his father several years ago because he was violent and abusive. Emjay has a tendency to run off when they stop places on their way to Watts Los Angeles and is full of anger, which sometimes is expressed in violence and being cruel with his words towards his family. But Opin finds a dog, Ani, one night and it rekindles some hope because having Ani gives him something to protect and keeping moving forward for.

This story broke my heart in so many ways, but I also think this story is so important because there is so much messaging about homelessness and the situation of unhoused people as less than human, from the legislation regarding tent cities to the benches being built so no one can comfortably or safely sleep on them. And homelessness is an experience many have at various times. I can easily see this being a book to helps someone feel seen and validated, all while also offering home.

But this isn’t just a story of struggle. There are so many messages about history and how American government has worked to eliminate Native people and history from this country. It also talks about how even as names of the government entities have changed, their purposes remain the same - keep poor people poor, take Native children from their family and community to assimilate them, vilify people who are working the hardest and getting the least return for their efforts. I really loved the historical mentions and framing, as well as the way it works to show that even as white people have tried to erase Indigenous people, they continue to survive, and that is exactly what Opin and his family are doing - surviving and keeping the blood of their ancestors alive.

I really loved this book, even as I struggled with it at times because it made me confront some of my own privileges and the things I take for granted. But I’m also glad it showed that even when things are hard, there is still hope, family, happy moments that make the hard times even a little easier. Opin is such a great narrator, and seeing his growth over the course of the story was so good. Just, I absolutely think people need to read this book, because this is a story that needs to be heard.

[Cannonball will post Aug 5, 2023]

Opin isn't like any other boy he knows. He lives in a car with his brother and mother and has to lie to get even the basic needs like food and a shower. His mother promises that she will get a job and a home but as time goes on these things doesn't happen. Now his brother keeps running away and when he is around he has a dangerous temper. Opin only friend is a dog he found, can they ever find a place that they can call their own?

I found this story wonderful. Yes, its a hard read but important. Many children suffer from homelessness. Parents want better for their children but many are running way from domestic abuse like Opin and his family. Opin is a complex character that I found so interesting. The character I found most interesting is Emjay, Opin brother. Filled with rage with the situation he finds himself in, he runs or acts violent to his brother and others. Watching this character and the changes he makes, makes this story so interesting and so important for today's middle graders to read. I am so glad I had a chance to read this book before the release date. Now I want to read more from James Bird.

I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read this story. Highly recommend this book for young and for the young at heart!!

No Place Like Home
by James Bird
Pub Date 08 Aug 2023
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade


I am reviewing a copy of No Place Like Home through Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends and Netgalley:


If your only home is a car, life is unpredictable, not even meals or schooling is a guarantee. Not every town has a shelter where a family can sleep for a night or two, and places with parking lots don't welcome overnight stays.



Opin, his Mother and Brother Emjay are trying to get to Los Angeles, where they hope an uncle and a new life are waiting. Emjay has taken to disappearing for days, slowing down the family's progress and adding to their worry.


After Opin finds a stray dog that needs him as much as he needs her, his longing for a stable home intensifies, and his brothers reckless ways hit an all time high.


Opin makes a new friend in the shelter, but shelters don’t allow dogs…

Will anything other than a real home ever be enough?


No Place Like Home would be a great book to broach the topic of homelessness , and poverty especially as it relates to Native Americans, and a great way to remind young readers that just because someone doesn't have a home, that doesn't mean they don't have goals.


I give No Place Like Home five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A great middle grade novel that confronts many important and relevant societal issues including poverty and racism.

Publication Date: August 8, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was quite a heavy book to read! For readers who are going through similar situations, it will be a relief to know they’re not alone. The mother’s teachings about who not to trust (cavalry, police, CPS) seemed rooted in her experiences as well as collective experiences of Natives, but I couldn’t help feel it seemed too much- look who ended up helping them at the end… I hope the brother got professional help. I hope they were all able to settle down and have a sense of normalcy. As much as she was doing her best against many odds, this isn’t a way to live…

What an unforgettable, heartfelt book that will stay with you! Opin, his older brother Emjay, and mom are homeless and sleep in the car or sometimes a shelter, if they’re lucky. They are careful so Child Protective Services doesn’t find out and put Opin in foster care. Mom wants to get them to LA to stay with her brother until she can find work. Even through tough times: no food, no bed, sneakers being stolen, their car breaking down, mom says “we have to fight to survive.” Will they make it to her brother’s house safely?

“No Place Like Home” is a middle grade novel by James Bird. It will be released on August 8, 2023.

I received an eARC from NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

This was a finish in one sitting kind of book. I never intended it to be- but once I started, there was no stopping. I became completely invested in these characters and their story. So so good.

This story is about Opin, his brother Emjay, and their mom. And a sweet found puppy that Opin named Ani. They are living in their car and battling against all odds to find a home. I was rooting the entire book for Opin. I also found myself rooting for his mom. Who never once stops trying to protect and provide for her sons. I was furious with Emjay for most of the book.

I highly recommend this book for middle school and upper elementary.