Richard Peck's A Long Way from Chicago is praised for its vibrant storytelling and nostalgic depiction of rural America, with memorable characters and humor. However, some critics find the episodic structure less cohesive. Overall, it's celebrated as a charming children's novel with both heart and wit.

Readers who enjoy A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck are typically drawn to nostalgic, humorous, and heartwarming tales of childhood and family. Fans of Holes by Louis Sachar or Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo will appreciate the vivid characters and engaging storytelling.

A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck, written in 1998, is a series of short stories about siblings Joey and Mary Alice who spend six summers (1929-1935) with their grandmother in a small town. Over these summers, they experience various adventures, learning important life lessons about family, respect, and appreciating different lifestyles and wisdom.

Humorous / Nostalgic / Bittersweet / Adventurous / Heartwarming

Richard Peck

Middle grade

Novel

A Long Way from Chicago

Fiction

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Study Guide

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A Long Way from Chicago Summary

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A Long Way from Chicago Background

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Prologue-Chapter 2

A Long Way from Chicago Prologue-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-5

A Long Way from Chicago Chapters 3-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-8

A Long Way from Chicago Chapters 6-8 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

A Long Way from Chicago Character Analysis

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A Long Way from Chicago

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