by Reif Larsen
First published 2021
Uma Wimple has created charts her entire life, turning everything into organized visual displays. When her teacher assigns the class to chart their own homes, Uma should be thrilled. This is exactly what she loves doing. Instead, she freezes. The endless possibilities overwhelm her. She walks through her house, trying to understand what makes it feel like home. She interviews each family member. Mom offers one perspective. Dad gives another. Her brothers Rex, Bram, and Lukey each see their house differently. Uma grows more confused with each conversation. The pressure builds until she breaks down completely. Lukey finds her crying and sits with her quietly. In that moment of comfort, Uma finally understands what her chart needs to show. The house becomes housey not because of its rooms or furniture or layout. The love her family shares within these walls transforms the building into their home.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: House
40 pages · Library Binding · Anne Schwartz Books