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About the Book    Homecoming

Homecoming follows the harrowing yet inspiring journey of the Tillerman siblings—Dicey, James, Maybeth, and Sammy—who are abandoned by their mother in a mall parking lot. With no money and little food, the children set out on a quest to find a place they can call home. Led by the determined and resourceful Dicey, they travel by foot to find their long-lost relatives, facing numerous challenges along the way.

Their mother, Liza Tillerman, had intended to leave them with an aunt, but when the children arrive at her home, they find it abandoned. Undeterred, they continue their quest, eventually locating their grandmother, Abigail Tillerman, who reluctantly takes them in. Throughout their journey, the siblings face both external and internal struggles, learning valuable lessons about family, resilience, and self-discovery.

Homecoming is a National Book Award finalist.

Themes in the book Homecoming

Family and Belonging: Homecoming is a story about family and the lengths to which one will go to protect and care for loved ones. The Tillerman siblings' bond is unbreakable, and their shared experiences strengthen their connection. The novel emphasizes the importance of family—both biological and chosen—and the sense of belonging that comes from being with those who truly care about you.

Resilience and Perseverance: Dicey's unwavering determination to keep her family together showcases the theme of resilience. Despite the numerous obstacles they face, the Tillermans never give up. This theme is especially relevant for students, as it teaches the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Self-Discovery and Growth: Throughout their journey, each of the Tillerman siblings undergoes significant personal growth. Dicey learns to shoulder responsibility and make difficult decisions, James discovers his own strengths, Maybeth gains confidence in her abilities, and Sammy matures beyond his years. "Homecoming" illustrates the process of self-discovery and the importance of personal growth.

Trust and Independence: The novel also explores the themes of trust and independence. The Tillerman siblings must rely on each other and themselves to survive. Their experiences teach them the importance of trust—both in others and in their own abilities. The book encourages students to develop their independence while understanding the value of trusting relationships.

Activity Ideas for the book Homecoming

Character Analysis: Have students choose a character from the book and create a detailed character analysis. They can explore the character's motivations, challenges, growth, and relationships with other characters. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps students understand character development.

Theme Exploration: Divide students into groups and assign each group a theme from the book. Ask them to find specific examples from the text that illustrate their assigned theme. Have each group present their findings to the class, fostering discussion about the various themes in Homecoming.

Creative Writing: What would Dicey's diary look like? Have students create a diary for Dicey (or one of her siblings) as they read the book. This activity allows students to engage with the characters on a deeper level and practice their creative writing skills.

Debate and Discussion: Organize a classroom debate on the ethical decisions made by the characters in the book. For example, students can debate whether Dicey's decision to continue the journey without adult supervision was the right choice. This activity promotes critical thinking and public speaking skills.

Journaling: Ask students to keep a reading journal as they progress through the book. They can record their thoughts, questions, and reflections on each chapter. This activity encourages active reading and personal engagement with the text.

Research Project: Assign students a research project on topics related to the book, such as homelessness, family dynamics, or mental health. Students can present their findings in a report or presentation, connecting real-world issues to the themes in Homecoming.