The Last Grand Adventure

(Paperback, Reprint)

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Twelve-year-old Bea finds herself on a unique road trip with her grandmother, as they search for her grandmothers long-lost sisterthe legendary Amelia Earhartin this charming novel from the author of When Audrey Met Alice and Summer of Lost and Found.

Its 1967 and twelve-year-old Bea is in need of some adventure. Her mother is off in San Francisco, while her father has just gotten remarried in Los Angeles. Bea has gained a younger stepsister, and shes not thrilled about her blended family. So when her ailing grandmother, Pidge, moves to an Orange County senior-living community and asks if Bea would spend the summer helping her get settled, Bea is happy for any excuse to get away.

But it turns out, her grandmother isnt interested in settling in. What she really wants is to hop a train back to Atchison, Kansaswhere she thinks shell be reunited with her long-missing sister: Amelia Earhart. And she wants Bea to be her sidekick on this secret trip.

At first, Bea thinks her grandmothers plan is a little crazy. But Pidge has thirty years of letters written in Meelies unmistakable voice, all promising to reunite. This might be the adventure Bea needs

With letters in hand, Bea and Pidge set off on their quest to find Amelia. But getting halfway across the country proves to be more of an adventure than either of them bargained for. And their search for Amelia leads to some surprising truths about their familyand each other.

Reviews

The bond between sistersnot to mention grandmother and granddaughtersets in motion a quirky, heart-rending journey and a discovery that could either change history or crush a dream. Beatrice is not a risk taker. Not like her journalist mom, who, since divorcing Bea's dad, is constantly on the move, searching for her next big story. Bea, 12, feels abandoned and resentful living with her dad and his new wife, Julie, and her irritating, adoring younger stepsister, Sally. Which is why, when she spends time with her free-wheeling grandmother, Bea feels herself swept away by the older woman's sense of adventure. Besides, adventure runs in grandma's blood. How could it not After all, Murielcall her "Pidge"is the sister of long-lost aviatrix Amelia "Meelie" Earhart. In an imaginative tale set in 1967, grandma Pidge takes her granddaughter on a journey to finally discover what happened to her long-lost sister 30 years before. Or is the journey fueled by something more Pidge, who shares letters she has received from Meelie, is showing signs of being unwell. Is she ill or simply fatigued Despite bouts of forgetfulness, Pidge's persistence encourages Bea (and readers) to want to believe even as the story hurtles toward a heartbreakingly surprising if inevitable conclusion. Bea's intelligent, believable voice leads readers through a narrative sprinkled with period references and interspersed with Meelie's handwritten letters. Infused with warmth and brightly developed characters and locales, Bea's adventure makes for a satisfying read. (Historical fiction. 8-12) -- Kirkus * 1/1/18 *
Historical fiction lovers are in for a treat with this heartfelt tale of discovery and hope. Twelve-year-old Bea is living unhappily with her newly blended family after her parents divorceyoung stepsister Sally particularlyannoys her, and she misses her traveling reporter mother. Still, shes nervous to spend several weeks with Pidge, her grandmother, about whom she knows little. Despite warnings to be wary of unusual, forgetful behavior, Bea agrees to join Pidge on a secret, half-baked journey from California to her childhood home in Kansas in hopes to be reunited with her long-lost sister, Amelia Earhart. Pidge has been receiving mysterious letters from Meelie for decades and believes she is still alive. Bea, intrigued with the family mystery and warming to her grandmothers quirks, supports her as they stow away, hitchhike, and take to the skies in a desperate attempt to reach Kansasdespite Beas nagging suspicion about the letters authenticity. This story has much to love, from the touching development of Bea and Pidges relationship to Bea conquering her fears and discovering the appeal of adventure. Bea even sees her stepsister in a new light as she witnesses the bond between Pidge and Meelie that transcends time and space. Young history buffs will appreciate the back matter, including a historical authors note, selected bibliography, and list of which quotes in the book are authentic. VERDICT An excellent purchase for readers who enjoy a strong dose of adventure and solid character development in their historical fiction. -- School Library Journal * February 1, 2018 *

Author Bio

Rebecca Behrens lives and writes in New York City, where she also works as a textbook editor. She is the author ofWhen Audrey Met Alice, whichBookPagecalled a terrific work of blended realistic and historical fiction,Summer of Lost and Found, whichKirkus Reviewssaid this blend of history with mystery and fantasy with realism is a good find indeed, andThe Last Grand Adventure. Some of Rebeccas favorite things are: the beach, history, running, doughnuts, and laughing.