Closer to Nowhere

When I first read this was for the upper juvenile audience, I hesitated. In my late 20’s I’ve been following Ellen since Crank. But ultimately my love (of all things Ellen Hopkin’s and my profession) over took. I dove into it as soon it touched my hands release day. Let me start with: I do not read the synopsis of new releases from my favorite authors, I jump in blind. I never for a second thought adult me would relate to this story so well. Closer to Nowhere follows Hannah and Cal, two cousins, from identical twin mothers. Cal losses his mom and moves in with his cousin and her parents. Feeling misplaced all his life Cal struggles to fit in. Hannah is used to being an old child with the perfect life, and taking in Cal really disrupt her life. But when faced with the dilemma they are, Cal takes the lead, and brings them to a better life. The two children struggle to adjusting their lives from home, school, parents. Ellen Hopkins finds a way to bring her personal experience together with hours of research and studying to once again bring us with such a beautiful work of words.

Closer to Nowhere delves not-so-gently into the lives of Hannah Lincoln and Cal Pace, two 12-year-old cousins who share their home after Cal loses his mother to cancer and his father to a well-deserved prison sentence. Alternating between the preteens\’ viewpoints in the artfully crafted verse for which Hopkins is well-known, this book evokes a whirlwind of emotion while the reader accompanies these children on their respective journies of hurting and, ultimately, healing. This book puts on vivid literary display the goings on inside the mind of a \”troubled youth,\” reminding us all that it is often when we act most unlovable that we need love most. At the end of it all, this book hits far closer to home than it does to nowhere.

This book was truly beautiful. It inspired a lot of empathy in me. This book makes you think about second chances. It takes a boy who’s misunderstood and different and shows you what his perspective is. How a boy who’s been abused can, with a little love and attention come out the other side. I also loved how she showed the sisters point of view and how first impressions may not always be correct. The sister also went through her own changes through empathy and understanding and came to care and love and help this boy. I think it shows addiction and the other side of it, how children can be affected, and can triumph if they have people that help them and believe in them. Addiction is so tough, and I love how this author always, stays true to both sides of what addiction can be and is. She is and has always has been my favorite author.

Closer to Nowhere is easily one of the most emotional books I have ever read. Two preteens are trying to come to terms with the directions their lives are going and learning to face the challenges that come along with it. It is a book about finding strength through hard times and it a great read, no matter the age of the reader. You won\’t be able to put it down. Ellen Hopkins outdid herself again by bringing topics that are difficult to discuss to light.

Ellen Hopkins has always been a phenomenal author. My favorite by far. Reading this first middle grade book of hers, I felt that something special was being created. In fact, I promptly bought a copy for my 12-year-old niece. I believe this book could help her understand her younger brother better and perhaps kids in her school. Even herself. This book teaches you to be kind to others for you never know what has made them they way that they are. Don\’t you believe that we should be teaching all kids to be kind? It\’s clear that Ellen Hopkins does. A wonderful read that can keep adults captivated as well, Calvin and Hannah share their stories about experiences we can all relate to in some semblance.

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