Nowhere, Now Here (Ag Fiction (American Girl)) - Hardcover

Grade 4-7-Twelve-year-old Laney is about to get the surprise of her life. Her corporate parents trade their office jobs in civilized Tampa Bay, FL, to be alpaca ranchers on the desolate Colorado prairie. She is definitely not ready to be uprooted again-especially since her father had assured her that Tampa Bay was the final move for the family. As soon as school ends, they head west armed only with book knowledge of the animals they are about to care for. Once in Colorado, Laney's parents and "perfect" older sister swoon over the wide-open spaces and new opportunities open to the family. Laney is not so enchanted, and even refuses to unpack her things in her new room. As the summer rolls on, she eventually befriends the "county weirdo," M. J. the Birdhouse Lady, and learns to accept the changes the move has brought. The protagonist's emotions have a realistic ring as she struggles to adapt in this unfamiliar world. The alpacas' fear of their new environment parallels the girl's lost sense of place and home, which is a nice touch. A believable portrait of a family in transition.
Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 5-7. Twelve-year-old Laney is furious with her parents' decision to simplify their lives by moving from their ocean-front home in Florida to the arid plains of Colorado, where they plan to raise alpacas. Since conditions are dismal, work is backbreaking, and the initial encounter with the alpacas confirms how little they know, Laney is certain her parents will move back to Florida before the end of summer. It's no real surprise when Laney has a change of heart, but Creel ably and gradually shows her transformation--from an irritating preteen to a concerned young woman who learns to see the beauty of the plains, works to save some of its animals, and begins to accept her parents' decision for the adventure it is. A comforting, satisfying story sure to appeal to middle-graders, especially those who have endured a move. Chris Sherman
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