I just finished “Almost Home” by YA author Joan Bauer and enjoyed it immensely. It’s the uplifting story of Sugar, a 12 yr. old girl, and her mom, Reba. Unfortunately, they have lost their house, thanks to Sugar’s deadbeat dad who gambles away Reba’s earnings and then skips out on them.
Sugar has internalized much of her no-nonsense grandfather’s teachings on negotiating life’s problems, which serves her well. King Cole (the grandfather) was writing chapter 10 of his autobiography when he died, but he left Sugar with his philosophy of loving life and people, and his belief of always rising up from the blows that life can inflict on a person. Sugar and her mom find themselves in some desperate situations, but Sugar’s struggles are very inspiring. I would definitely recommend this as a “feel good story” to grades 5 & up.