The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise is a book I think about often and fondly. So, when given the chance to dive back into Coyote and Rodeo’s world, I couldn’t have been happier. From the very first page, the words of Dan Gemeinhart are absolutely beautiful and draw you in to the experiences and emotions. I read a little at a time over several days so that I could savor this one. The cast of characters are easy to care about, relate to and learn from. It feels like a privilege to be a part of their stories and to go along for the ride. Both books have a special place in my reading journey and I know that will be true for many more readers to come.

Reviewing a Dan Gemeinhart book always comes with a certain amount of dread. That's because I know there's zero chance I'll be able to say what needs to be said for such an amazing work of art. Maybe calling it a masterpiece will do. No. That just sounds pretentious. Ok, let me just say, this is my 5th Gemeinhart book. I've reviewed lots of authors. I haven't read 5 books from too many authors, because once they let you down it's hard to get excited to read another. Gemeinhart is the ONLY author that's NEVER received anything less than 5 stars from me. And that's saying something. I don't give 5 stars easily. Pretentious or not, his books are masterpieces.

So this is Coyote part 2. It's what happens after the famous cross-country bus ride in The Remarkable Journey. Coyote and her dad have settled down in a house, but Coyote still likes to hang out in the bus. It's a good thing, because her hanging out in the bus is the reason the box containing her mother's ashes is discovered. But to her dismay, she's also the reason the book that says what to do with those ashes will NOT be discovered. It's not on the bus. It's somewhere between Washington and Maine. In a thrift store. Where Coyote accidentally left it. And she's going to find it.

Only Coyote would hatch the bizarre plan that follows, and only her father, Rodeo, would fall for it. She's going to backtrack across the country, revisiting thrift stores, to find that book, without anyone suspecting what she's doing. Of course a whole slew of interesting characters are going to be invited along for the ride and a ton of valuable lessons are going to be learned. It's all done with Coyote's adorable, smart, funny, pragmatic voice. There's no one like her in all of children's literature. The only criticism someone could possibly give is that the plot follows too closely to that of book one. Another road trip in a bus named Yager. Another menagerie of characters with lessons to bestow. Another amazing scene in a gas station.

I, for one, will take it, if that's what I have to do to spend a little more time with an endearing girl, named Coyote.

Coyote captures the hearts of young readers. Gemeinhart does a fabulous job making connections between his characters and our children. Many students can see themselves in Coyote and relate to her complexity in one way or another.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. Coyote is a favorite in our third grade classroom. Keep writing characters that young kids can relate to!

Coyote Sunrise is one of my all-time favorite characters, right up there with Anne Shirley. I’ve read The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise to myself and aloud to students multiple times and never fail to vacillate between laughter and tears. When I heard there was a sequel, my stomach dropped seeing the March 2024 release date. I checked my email at bedtime last night and was over the moon to receive the publisher’s email that an egalley was ready for viewing. I was soooo first week of school teacher-tired that my “I’m just going to close my eyes for a minute so I can read” was indeed more than a minute.
At 4ish this morning, I couldn’t stay in bed another minute because I had to read the entire book before school started this morning. Oh, Coyote! Her relationship with her Dad, Rodeo, her best friend, Salvador, and the bonds she makes with the new friends along the way are heartwarming. Her quest to find a special book belonging to her mom with wishes for disposing of her ashes turns into a journey of discovery and healing. I was so grateful to be reunited with my long-lost friend, Coyote. It’s a book I was sad to see end. I hope there are more adventures ahead for her.

I am a big fan of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and I wasn't sure how Gemeinhart could follow up. In Coyote Lost and Found, Coyote and Rodeo are adjusting to a 'normal' life. The adjustment is particularly rough for Coyote. When a pandemic hits, it is the perfect excuse for Coyote, Rodeo, Salvador, and some new friends to hit the road. Just like before, Coyote and Rodeo are working on coping with their grief while navigating life changes.
Coyote's struggle and growth ring true and her journey really takes center stage more fully than the first book. Gemeinhart always does a fantastic job of delivering emotional punches with surprising life-changing moments. The punches didn't hit quite as hard as they did in the first book, but it still works. I don't think this book stands on its own, but is a lovely continuation of the last book.

5 stars

You love Coyote, you say? You're scared that the sequel won't live up to your outrageously high expectations? Stop worrying. It will!

Don't even think about reading this book without reading the first one. Coyote's whole journey is vital - I think - to really connecting with this novel.

This one begins when Coyote makes a surprising discovery: her mother's ashes. Her discovery becomes the impetus for yet another awesome group journey, and like we all expect from these characters, the journey isn't just physical. These characters grow emotionally, and readers can't help but do the same.

Gemeinhart has created such a great character with a strong voice in Coyote, and he does her justice again here. This is a fulfilling sequel, and I hope it's not the only one.

Coyote is one of the best characters ever written! Often times sequels just aren't the same as the first book, but this hits all the right marks. Another fabulous adventure with new and old friends on a bus named Yager.

Dan G. you hit a home run again! This sequel/companion Coyote Sunrise is just as delightful, moving, inspiring and tear inducing as the first. So many great quotes and teachable moments for parents, mentors and teachers to use with kids. I absolutely can’t wait to add to our library collection or have you back for a third time in the near future at our school.

I cherish the story of Coyote and Rodeo that Dan Gemeinhart so beautifully created in "The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise". It easily sits in my top 5 most beloved stories of all time. When I heard that we would be able to return to their story in "Coyote Lost and Found"...I was giddy.

Coyote and Rodeo are still navigating loss. And in this story- a literal loss of a book that is essential to bringing about closure. Their lives have started to move forward, and we begin to see that in several aspects.

These characters are so unique, so brilliant, so wonderfully, wonderfully weird, And I am so thankful that we were able to see one more time their lives back on Yager and doing what they do best- sharing open-hearted kindness, generousness. and goofy adventures. Which may or may not involve injuries and the police. Because of course it could. And- should.