A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck

A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck is a fun story for children and adults about the adventures of a brother and sister during their summer breaks when they spend time with their grandma. Joey and Mary Alice have all sorts of adventures with their Grandma Dowdle, from hosting the wake of a homeless man found dead and the shenanigans of an angry tomcat, to helping two sweethearts sneak off so they can elope without the interference of both their meddling families. As each summer passes, Joey and Mary Alice learn more and more about their grandma who doesn't seem to much like her neighbors, while going far out of her way to help them. This is a great coming of age book that both children and grown ups would enjoy.