Review: Where I Belong by Mary Downing Hahn

Where I Belong by Mary Downing Hahn.

Clarion Books
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780544230200

Review: If you like outdoors, woods, adventure and action, you would enjoy the book Where I Belong by Mary Downing Hahn. The book is full of action and is also perfect for anyone who loves the woods.

In this fiction book, Brendan's mom left him at the hospital when he was just born. Brendan was sent to a new family, but it didn't work out. Brendan finally met Mrs. Clancy, his foster mom, who takes good care of him. Brendan doesn't love Mrs. Clancy, but she treats him well. Brendan is an artist, but he learns that school is no place for drawing. Brendan disliked school. Consequently, he flunked sixth grade, and was enrolled into summer school. In summer school, Brendan meets his new best friend, Shea. When Brendan and Shea are not in school, they spend their time in the woods building their tree house. They also enjoy time spent with their friend, the Green Man, a homeless old man. Brendan and Shea's lives are progressing very steadily until something happens that changes them forever.

I really enjoyed Where I Belong. I love how the author included so many details. I could really picture in my mind what was going on. The book was super interesting, and I didn't want to stop reading because I was excited to find out what happens next! The story seemed so real. All of the characters are very unique in their own ways. Shea is a tomboy, Brendan is an artist, and the Green Man is a homeless old man. Both boys and girls would enjoy the book. There are elements that boys would like, such as the woods. Also, there are things girls would like, for example, Shea and her personality. I think this book would be best for middle school and up because anyone younger wouldn't understand the plot. To conclude, Where I Belong is a great book, and I would highly recommend it.

Review written by Ali (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Where I Belong for this review.

Have you read Where I Belong? How would you rate it?