The Wanderer

The Wanderer, by Sharon Creech is a story about a 13-year-old-girl remembering her difficult past as she travels across the Atlantic Ocean on a sailboat with her three uncles and two cousins. The story is told alternately from the point of view of Sophie, the girl, and Cody, her 13-year-old cousin though their journals. They each shed new light on the scenes by giving their version of things. Cody sees that Sophie is remembering her difficult past before Sophie realizes what is happening. The book is written like a puzzle and each of these characters take turns placing a piece until in the end, the reader sees the full picture.

I found the story and it's delivery intriguing. Sharon Creech is a gifted and creative writer. Creech gives a lot of interesting detail about sailing in the story.

I recommend this book for 5th and 6th grade students and any boating enthusiasts, young or old.