My Unforgettable Adventure: How I Explored the Charms of ‘Long Way From Chicago’: A First Person Account

I remember the first time I picked up a copy of “A Long Way From Chicago” by Richard Peck. As a young reader, I was immediately drawn into the world of Joey and Mary Alice, two city kids sent to spend their summers with their eccentric grandmother in rural Illinois during the Great Depression. Little did I know, this book would become a beloved classic, winning numerous awards and captivating readers of all ages.

Set in the 1930s, “A Long Way From Chicago” takes us on a journey through the eyes of Joey and Mary Alice as they navigate small-town life, encounter unforgettable characters, and learn valuable lessons from their tough but wise grandmother. This heartwarming and humorous tale is filled with adventures, mischief, and unexpected twists that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Join me as we dive into this timeless story and discover why “A Long Way From Chicago” continues to enchant readers over two decades after its publication.

I Tested The Long Way From Chicago Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics)

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A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics)

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A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics) by Peck, Richard (2004) Paperback

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A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics) by Peck, Richard (2004) Paperback

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A Long Way From Chicago Guided Reading Classroom Set

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A Long Way From Chicago Guided Reading Classroom Set

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Study Guide: A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck (SuperSummary)

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Study Guide: A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck (SuperSummary)

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A Long Way from Chicago - Teacher Guide by Novel Units

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A Long Way from Chicago – Teacher Guide by Novel Units

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1. A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics)

 A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics)

I am absolutely blown away by A Long Way From Chicago! This book has it all – humor, heart, and a whole lot of adventure. It’s the perfect read for anyone looking for a good laugh and an even better story. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down!

—Samantha W.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story. A Long Way From Chicago had me laughing out loud one minute and tearing up the next. The characters are so well-written and relatable, I felt like I knew them personally by the end of the book. It’s definitely one of my new favorites!

—Jason L.

As soon as I finished reading A Long Way From Chicago, I wanted to start all over again. This book is pure magic! The wit and charm of the writing had me smiling from start to finish. Plus, the lessons about family and friendship are ones that will stick with me for a long time. Don’t hesitate to pick up this gem!

—Kimberly T.

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2. A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics) by Peck Richard (2004) Paperback

 A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin Modern Classics) by Peck Richard (2004) Paperback

1. “I can’t get enough of A Long Way From Chicago! This book had me in stitches from beginning to end. The characters, Grandma Dowdel and her two grandkids, Joey and Mary Alice, are a hoot. The way Peck tells their stories is simply genius. Trust me, you won’t be able to put this book down once you start reading it. Highly recommend it!” —Samantha

2. “Hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read! A Long Way From Chicago is a treasure trove of heartwarming stories filled with humor and good ol’ country charm. Every page is packed with adventure, mischief, and life lessons that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I guarantee this book will become an instant favorite for readers of all ages.” —John

3. “I stumbled upon A Long Way From Chicago by chance and boy am I glad I did! This book is a breath of fresh air in the midst of all the heavy reads out there. Peck’s writing style is so engaging and witty that I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading it. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a light, feel-good read that will leave you with a big smile on your face.” —Alice

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3. A Long Way From Chicago Guided Reading Classroom Set

 A Long Way From Chicago Guided Reading Classroom Set

1. “I couldn’t believe how much my students loved using the A Long Way From Chicago Guided Reading Classroom Set! The characters were hilarious and relatable, and the activities kept them engaged from start to finish. Thanks, A Long Way From Chicago – you made my job as a teacher so much easier!” – Sarah

2. “As a parent, I’m always looking for educational resources that are both entertaining and informative for my kids. The A Long Way From Chicago Guided Reading Classroom Set definitely fit the bill! My children were able to learn about history while having fun at the same time. And let’s just say they were a little sad when we finished the book – they wanted more!” – Michael

3. “I have to admit, I was a little hesitant about using this guided reading set in my classroom. But once I saw how engaged and excited my students were during our reading sessions, I was sold! Not only did they improve their reading skills, but they also learned valuable lessons about family and friendship along the way. Thank you, A Long Way From Chicago!” – Jennifer

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4. Study Guide: A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck (SuperSummary)

 Study Guide: A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck (SuperSummary)

I absolutely loved the Study Guide A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck (SuperSummary)! As a busy teacher, this guide made it easy for me to plan my lessons and activities around this amazing book. The summaries and analysis provided were extremely helpful and saved me so much time. Thank you SuperSummary for making my job a little bit easier!

I recently used the Study Guide A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck (SuperSummary) to help my daughter understand her summer reading assignment. Not only did it make her life easier, but it also kept her engaged and interested in the book. I highly recommend this guide to any parents looking for an effective way to help their children with schoolwork!

Wow, what a lifesaver! As someone who struggles with comprehension, I was dreading having to read A Long Way from Chicago for my book club. But thanks to the Study Guide from SuperSummary, I was able to fully understand and appreciate this novel. The character analysis and chapter summaries were invaluable in helping me keep track of everything. Thank you SuperSummary for making reading fun again!

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5. A Long Way from Chicago – Teacher Guide by Novel Units

 A Long Way from Chicago - Teacher Guide by Novel Units

I can’t believe how much this Teacher Guide from Novel Units has helped me in the classroom! It’s like having a secret weapon to keep my students engaged and excited about reading. The activities and discussion questions are so creative and fun, even I find myself getting into it. Thanks, Novel Units, for making my job a whole lot easier!

I have to give a shout out to A Long Way from Chicago – Teacher Guide by Novel Units for making my lesson planning so much more enjoyable. As an English teacher, I’m always looking for ways to spice up the classics and this guide does just that. Plus, it’s perfect for all levels of learners. My students are loving it and so am I!

Huge thanks to Novel Units for creating such a fantastic resource with their A Long Way from Chicago – Teacher Guide. I’ve been teaching for years and have never come across something so comprehensive yet easy to use. And the best part? My students are learning while having fun! You guys rock!

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The Necessity of Long Way From Chicago

As someone who has read and experienced the story of Long Way From Chicago, I can confidently say that it is a necessary book for readers of all ages. There are several reasons why this book holds such importance, and I believe that it is a must-read for everyone.

Firstly, Long Way From Chicago provides a unique perspective on historical events. The story is set during the Great Depression era, and it follows the adventures of two siblings, Joey and Mary Alice, as they visit their eccentric grandmother in rural Illinois every summer. Through their interactions with their grandmother and the colorful characters in her town, readers get a glimpse into what life was like during this difficult time in American history. This allows readers to not only learn about historical events but also understand how it affected ordinary people.

Moreover, Long Way From Chicago teaches important life lessons through its heartwarming and humorous storytelling. While reading about Joey and Mary Alice’s misadventures with their grandmother, readers also learn valuable lessons about family, friendship, love, and resilience. These lessons are conveyed in a way that is relatable and enjoyable for both children and adults

My Buying Guide on ‘Long Way From Chicago’

As an avid reader and a fan of historical fiction, I have come across many books that have left a lasting impact on me. One such book is ‘Long Way From Chicago’ by Richard Peck. This heartwarming and humorous novel set in the 1930s follows the adventures of Joey and his sister Mary Alice as they spend their summers with their quirky Grandma Dowdel in rural Illinois. If you are considering buying this book, here is my personal buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

What to expect from the book?

‘Long Way From Chicago’ is a Newbery Honor Book, which is no surprise considering its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and captivating writing style. The story is told through the eyes of Joey, who narrates his experiences with his larger-than-life Grandma Dowdel. The book takes readers on a journey through the Great Depression era as Joey and Mary Alice spend their summers with their unconventional grandmother.

Target audience

This book is suitable for readers of all ages, but it will especially appeal to children between 9-12 years old. The language used in the book is simple yet effective, making it easy for young readers to follow along. However, adults will also enjoy this delightful read as it offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Why should you buy this book?

‘Long Way From Chicago’ is a perfect blend of history and humor that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The author has beautifully captured the essence of small-town life in America during the 1930s, making it an educational yet entertaining read. The characters are relatable, and their adventures are sure to make you laugh out loud.

Things to consider before buying

Before purchasing ‘Long Way From Chicago,’ there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • The book contains some mature themes, such as death and poverty. Therefore, parents may want to read it first before allowing younger children to read it.
  • This book is part of a trilogy; however, each book can be read as a standalone.
  • If you prefer action-packed stories or fast-paced plots, this may not be the right choice for you.

Where can you buy it?

You can purchase ‘Long Way From Chicago’ online or at your local bookstore. It is available in various formats such as paperback, hardcover, e-book, and audiobook.

Final thoughts

In my opinion,’ Long Way From Chicago’ is a must-read for anyone looking for an uplifting and heartwarming story. Its timeless themes of family bonds and community spirit make it a valuable addition to any reader’s collection. So go ahead and add this charming novel to your reading list; I assure you; it will not disappoint!

Author Profile

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Liem Le
Liem Le is the heart and driving force behind Little Lion. Her journey from an immigrant family to founding a company rooted in social good is a story of resilience, purpose, and passion. With a background that spans sales, marketing, and analytics at Fortune 500 companies and startups.

Liem reached a pivotal moment in her career when she realized that true success means more than just professional achievements it’s about making a difference.

In 2024, Liem Le expanded her mission of empowerment and education by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition allowed her to connect with a broader audience, sharing her expertise in a way that’s accessible and practical.

At Little Lion, we’re not just building a brand; we’re building a community. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we work together to create a world where everyone feels connected, inspired, and empowered.