A Long Way From Chicago

Reach for this book when you want to bridge the generational gap or help a child understand that their elders were once adventurous, messy, and even a bit mischievous. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this collection of stories follows siblings Joey and Mary Alice during their annual summer visits to their eccentric grandmother in rural Illinois. It is an ideal pick for families looking to explore themes of local history, justice, and the quiet resilience of small-town life. While the setting is historical, the emotional core is timeless. Grandma Dowdel is a formidable, hilarious force of nature who teaches her city-dwelling grandchildren about integrity through unconventional means. Parents will appreciate the clever vocabulary and the way the book handles financial hardship with dignity and wit. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy episodic storytelling and larger than life characters.