Books in the series The Three Rancheros

Set in the summer of 1975, Raymie Nightingale is a masterfully written story about Raymie Clarke, a ten-year-old girl with a desperate plan. After her father leaves home, Raymie enters the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, believing that seeing her picture in the newspaper will convince him to return. Along the way, she meets two other girls: the eccentric Louisiana Elefante and the tough-as-nails Beverly Tapinski. What begins as a competition turns into a profound journey of mutual support and discovery.

This Newbery Medalist's novel is ideal for readers interested in character-driven stories that explore complex emotions with grace and humor. It is a perfect choice for children who love books about deep friendships and overcoming personal challenges. Kate DiCamillo captures the vulnerability of childhood and the strength found in community, making it a great choice for classroom discussions or family read-alouds.

Highlights:

• A moving exploration of friendship and resilience in the face of family loss.
• Richly developed, quirky characters that readers will instantly root for.
• Set in a nostalgic 1970s Florida backdrop that adds unique charm.
• Perfect for fans of Because of Winn-Dixie and The Penderwicks.

Louisiana's Way Home is a poignant and beautifully written novel by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo. When Louisiana Elefante is whisked away from her home in the middle of the night by her eccentric Granny, she finds herself stranded in a small Georgia town, far from her best friends. As she navigates this sudden upheaval, Louisiana must confront painful truths about her past and decide who she truly wants to be. This story is perfect for children who love emotionally resonant tales about finding where you belong and the power of unexpected friendships.

Ideal for readers interested in character-driven stories, this book explores complex themes of family legacy and personal agency with DiCamillo's signature blend of humor and tenderness. It is a great choice for fans of the author's previous work, Raymie Nightingale, though it stands beautifully on its own. Readers will be captivated by Louisiana’s unique voice and her journey toward self-discovery in the face of uncertainty.

Highlights:

• A deeply moving exploration of identity and what it means to find "home."
• Memorable, quirky characters that stay with the reader long after the final page.
• Masterful storytelling that balances heartbreak with hope and humor.
• An excellent choice for book clubs and classroom discussions.

In the poignant conclusion to the beloved Three Rancheros trilogy, Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo introduces us to a fourteen-year-old Beverly Tapinski who is ready to leave her past behind. No longer just a runaway, Beverly is determined to make a life on her own terms. After the loss of her beloved dog and the emotional distance of her mother, she finds herself in a small town, taking a job at a local fish fry and living with an eccentric older woman. While Beverly tries her hardest to remain detached and independent, she soon discovers that the human heart has a way of forming connections even when we try to keep them at bay.

This beautifully written novel is perfect for children who love character-driven stories and readers interested in themes of resilience and self-reliance. DiCamillo’s signature prose captures the tough-talking, inescapably tenderhearted nature of a girl finding her place in the world. It is an ideal choice for fans of realistic fiction who appreciate stories that are both heartbreaking and hopeful. Through Beverly's journey, readers learn that while leaving home is hard, finding where you truly belong is a journey worth taking.

Highlights:

• A powerful coming-of-age story about independence and self-discovery.
• The final installment in the acclaimed Three Rancheros sequence.
• Masterful character development that resonates with middle-grade and young teen readers.
• Explores complex family dynamics and the importance of chosen community.