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Alpaca My Bags: A Wish Novel
When anxiety threatens to derail a homeschooled girl's attempt to make new friends, she finds support in an unlikely source . . . a herd of adorable alpacas!
To some kids, Amelia's life sounds like the ultimate fantasy. She and her brothers are homeschooled by their adventurous parents, and the family travels around the country in an RV, scaling mountains, rappelling down canyons, and skiing down double black diamond slopes.There's just one problem -- Amelia didn't inherit the family's daredevil gene. She's terrified of heights and would give anything to be reading instead of careening down a mountain. She's also desperate for the chance to attend a regular school and make real friends. So when her parents decide to temporarily move to Colorado, Amelia's delighted by the chance to settle down.However, starting at a conventional school is much harder than Amelia imagined, and her anxiety makes meeting new friends extra challenging. Everything about her feels wrong, from her clothes to her hobbies to her complete lack of pop culture knowledge.So when Amelia's given the chance to volunteer at an alpaca ranch, she's delighted by the chance to do something she's good at -- take care of animals. And soon, the alpacas and their owners start to feel like real friends.But when a cruel classmate's prank puts the alpacas in mortal peril, Amelia will have to summon strength she never knew she possessed to save the only place that's ever felt like home.
To some kids, Amelia's life sounds like the ultimate fantasy. She and her brothers are homeschooled by their adventurous parents, and the family travels around the country in an RV, scaling mountains, rappelling down canyons, and skiing down double black diamond slopes.There's just one problem -- Amelia didn't inherit the family's daredevil gene. She's terrified of heights and would give anything to be reading instead of careening down a mountain. She's also desperate for the chance to attend a regular school and make real friends. So when her parents decide to temporarily move to Colorado, Amelia's delighted by the chance to settle down.However, starting at a conventional school is much harder than Amelia imagined, and her anxiety makes meeting new friends extra challenging. Everything about her feels wrong, from her clothes to her hobbies to her complete lack of pop culture knowledge.So when Amelia's given the chance to volunteer at an alpaca ranch, she's delighted by the chance to do something she's good at -- take care of animals. And soon, the alpacas and their owners start to feel like real friends.But when a cruel classmate's prank puts the alpacas in mortal peril, Amelia will have to summon strength she never knew she possessed to save the only place that's ever felt like home.
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2020
33 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Goebel
20 books65 followersJenny Goebel is the author of GRAVE IMAGES, a forthcoming middle grade novel from Scholastic (Nov 1,2013).
She lives just outside of Denver, and if she's not hiking up a mountain or mothering, or doing both simultaneously, she's probably sitting at her computer writing.
She lives just outside of Denver, and if she's not hiking up a mountain or mothering, or doing both simultaneously, she's probably sitting at her computer writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 14, 2020
Amelia Jean is the only member of her family who isn't thrilled about their adventurous life style of traveling nonstop around the country in their RV pursuing extreme experiences drawn from slips of paper in the Amundsen Family Adventure Jar. So she's secretly relieved when her parents decide to stay in one place for a few months to save up money for the next round of perilous thrills. But her years of on-the-road homeschooling haven't prepared her for the regimentation of a public middle school, nor for its peer dynamics. It's only in her job working on an alpaca farm that she finds the place where she truly belongs. How will she bear it when her father uproots her from the one place that finally feels like home? Jenny Goebel has written the perfect book for anyone who has ever felt they don't fit in - which is surely all of us - and for anyone who has ever found solace and comfort from animal companions. I rooted hard for Amelia from the terrifying open scene of her rappeling down a mountain to her story's satisfying conclusion - and enjoyed making friends with adorable alpacas along the way!
June 5, 2021
This book was very lighthearted and sweet. I learned a lot about alpacas too! With sweet and lighthearted books like these they are often cheesy or babyish but this one was AWESOME! Definitely recommend
March 29, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up. Not my favorite in the Wish series (I felt bad for everything Amelia went through) but the ending redeemed it. There was a nice message about handling fears and I loved the alpacas.
March 27, 2023
Content warnings: emotional absenteeism of a parent, fire
I think it may be best to list the pros and cons of this book.
Pro:
- It is written in an appropriate voice for an emotionally immature middle school student; it would appeal to upper elementary as well as middle school students who are unsure of themselves.
- It is a story about finding courage when you thought you had none.
- The facts about alpacas at the beginning of each chapter are delightful.
- The alpacas
- The inter-generational friendship between Amelia and Rachel
- Annie
- The writing really conveys emotion well (sometimes too well; the father made me very grumpy at times).
- The climax had me staying up late to finish the novel. I had to know that the alpacas were okay!
Con:
- The last paragraph of the blurb on the back of the book is such a spoiler! Why include something that happens in the last 20% of the book?
- Amelia's family is pretty oblivious to her wants and needs, and treats her as a burden.
- Amelia's emotionally absent father is practically on par with Gendou Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion. No, Amelia doesn't have to get in a robot and try to save the world, but she instead has to do all these dangerous things she doesn't want to do. And that just makes her fear that much greater.
- The school secretary is such a cartoonish villain.
This is a cute book, mostly as fluffy as any of the alpacas, but with some serious tones. I would not give this book to a young person who has dealt with the trauma of a devastating fire. If someone has experienced emotional neglect, I would warn them about the father and let them decide if it would help to read it or not (knowing someone else, even a fictional character, has gone through similar can be therapeutic). Beyond that, it's almost cozy.
I think it may be best to list the pros and cons of this book.
Pro:
- It is written in an appropriate voice for an emotionally immature middle school student; it would appeal to upper elementary as well as middle school students who are unsure of themselves.
- It is a story about finding courage when you thought you had none.
- The facts about alpacas at the beginning of each chapter are delightful.
- The alpacas
- The inter-generational friendship between Amelia and Rachel
- Annie
- The writing really conveys emotion well (sometimes too well; the father made me very grumpy at times).
- The climax had me staying up late to finish the novel. I had to know that the alpacas were okay!
Con:
- The last paragraph of the blurb on the back of the book is such a spoiler! Why include something that happens in the last 20% of the book?
- Amelia's family is pretty oblivious to her wants and needs, and treats her as a burden.
- Amelia's emotionally absent father is practically on par with Gendou Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion. No, Amelia doesn't have to get in a robot and try to save the world, but she instead has to do all these dangerous things she doesn't want to do. And that just makes her fear that much greater.
- The school secretary is such a cartoonish villain.
This is a cute book, mostly as fluffy as any of the alpacas, but with some serious tones. I would not give this book to a young person who has dealt with the trauma of a devastating fire. If someone has experienced emotional neglect, I would warn them about the father and let them decide if it would help to read it or not (knowing someone else, even a fictional character, has gone through similar can be therapeutic). Beyond that, it's almost cozy.
March 28, 2025
I adored this book!
From page one, I related to Amelia Jean. (Mainly because she reminded me of a young Stephanie Anne, long ago). She is shy, a bookworm, and hesitant to head into new experiences. (Um, that’s still me!)
Amelia’s family of parents and two older brothers are the definition of “adventurous”. They live out their lives on the road in their camper, nicknamed “The Gnarly Banana” because of its color. Outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking, surfing, etc., are constant, depending on the part of the country they’re currently in. As well, the three children have been homeschooled for five years, since the parents sold everything and hit the open road to live “their best lives.”
Now that Amelia Jane is twelve, she’s beginning to rethink this lifestyle. The outdoor activities are always a cause of anxiety for her, because they scare her and she doesn’t excel at any of them. In fact, her ineptitude makes her stand out from her athletic family and often causes her shame.
When the family decides to settle in for a few months to re-evaluate their finances, Amelia is thrilled. She remembers enjoying school as a first grader, so she is eager to return to public school. It also means that the new adventure from the “Adventure Jar”, skiing, will have to be postponed for a good while (phew!)
Seventh grade in a small Colorado school turns out vastly different than Amelia expects. She can handle the work; it’s the scheduling of classes and assignments, and the structure, that is the problem. She’s also disappointed that the other kids seem to view her as strange, especially Ryan, who delights in tormenting her.
A visit to an alpaca ranch, a stray dog, and a budding relationship with a cousin help Amelia began to see the possible advantages in putting down roots in this town Winterland. Her mom and brothers seem to be adapting well, also. But the more they settle in, the more determined Dad becomes to hit the open road again. Can Amelia overcome her anxiety enough to speak up and say she wants to stay in Winterland, with friends, the dog, and her job at the alpaca ranch?…
I have to say, Amelia’s parents really bothered me. Their constant pushing of her to “face her fears” and do things that terrified her seemed so misguided. We’re not talking about things like making new friends or working on shyness. These are things like rappelling down mountains, skiing Black Diamond slopes, or swimming with sharks (yes, really!) The family knew of Amelia’s fears, because she constantly slowed them down or had to be rescued from these situations. But because the parents and the older brothers excelled at these types of activities, Amelia was automatically expected to partake, without ever being allowed to speak her mind and verbalize her opinions. As a result, she chooses to hide her job at the alpaca ranch, and her school difficulties from her family, for fear of disappointing them yet again.
I’m giving this book five stars because I loved Amelia’s character and the realistic way the ending was handled! I hope to read more from this author.
From page one, I related to Amelia Jean. (Mainly because she reminded me of a young Stephanie Anne, long ago). She is shy, a bookworm, and hesitant to head into new experiences. (Um, that’s still me!)
Amelia’s family of parents and two older brothers are the definition of “adventurous”. They live out their lives on the road in their camper, nicknamed “The Gnarly Banana” because of its color. Outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking, surfing, etc., are constant, depending on the part of the country they’re currently in. As well, the three children have been homeschooled for five years, since the parents sold everything and hit the open road to live “their best lives.”
Now that Amelia Jane is twelve, she’s beginning to rethink this lifestyle. The outdoor activities are always a cause of anxiety for her, because they scare her and she doesn’t excel at any of them. In fact, her ineptitude makes her stand out from her athletic family and often causes her shame.
When the family decides to settle in for a few months to re-evaluate their finances, Amelia is thrilled. She remembers enjoying school as a first grader, so she is eager to return to public school. It also means that the new adventure from the “Adventure Jar”, skiing, will have to be postponed for a good while (phew!)
Seventh grade in a small Colorado school turns out vastly different than Amelia expects. She can handle the work; it’s the scheduling of classes and assignments, and the structure, that is the problem. She’s also disappointed that the other kids seem to view her as strange, especially Ryan, who delights in tormenting her.
A visit to an alpaca ranch, a stray dog, and a budding relationship with a cousin help Amelia began to see the possible advantages in putting down roots in this town Winterland. Her mom and brothers seem to be adapting well, also. But the more they settle in, the more determined Dad becomes to hit the open road again. Can Amelia overcome her anxiety enough to speak up and say she wants to stay in Winterland, with friends, the dog, and her job at the alpaca ranch?…
I have to say, Amelia’s parents really bothered me. Their constant pushing of her to “face her fears” and do things that terrified her seemed so misguided. We’re not talking about things like making new friends or working on shyness. These are things like rappelling down mountains, skiing Black Diamond slopes, or swimming with sharks (yes, really!) The family knew of Amelia’s fears, because she constantly slowed them down or had to be rescued from these situations. But because the parents and the older brothers excelled at these types of activities, Amelia was automatically expected to partake, without ever being allowed to speak her mind and verbalize her opinions. As a result, she chooses to hide her job at the alpaca ranch, and her school difficulties from her family, for fear of disappointing them yet again.
I’m giving this book five stars because I loved Amelia’s character and the realistic way the ending was handled! I hope to read more from this author.
November 10, 2021
The Amundsen family's life is a constant adventure, following thrilling exploits they pick out of the Adventure Jar. While everyone in Amelia's family seems to love it, she is not the daring time. In fact, Amelia thinks she is a coward always giving in to her fear and anxiety and ruining things for her family. So when the family makes an extended stop in a Colorado town, Amelia is excited to go to school and make friends, to do things a normal kid would. School bullies ruin her hopes there, but she finds solace when volunteering at an alpaca ranch. She finally feels like she has a place in the world, starting to make friends and have a home, when suddenly everything is in peril, and Amelia must get over her fear or lose it all.
This was a fantastic middle grade book that I read with my 11-year-old. Amelia is a realistic tween trying to deal with her anxiety and fears she is worthless and will never fit in. Things don't always go her way and she makes mistakes, but it is wonderful to see how she grows in the story. What's even better is that she doesn't magically become cured of her anxiety, it's still there. She just finds ways of coping with it. I liked how the story dealt with the issues of never feeling like you belong through Amelia and always feeling abandoned as seen in Cat. The parts with the alpacas are absolutely adorable. My son now wants to visit an alpaca ranch and learn even more about the animals. Also, you are never too old to enjoy riding a carousel!
This was a fantastic middle grade book that I read with my 11-year-old. Amelia is a realistic tween trying to deal with her anxiety and fears she is worthless and will never fit in. Things don't always go her way and she makes mistakes, but it is wonderful to see how she grows in the story. What's even better is that she doesn't magically become cured of her anxiety, it's still there. She just finds ways of coping with it. I liked how the story dealt with the issues of never feeling like you belong through Amelia and always feeling abandoned as seen in Cat. The parts with the alpacas are absolutely adorable. My son now wants to visit an alpaca ranch and learn even more about the animals. Also, you are never too old to enjoy riding a carousel!
July 12, 2023
Adorable read. A young girl finding herself in the world. Such an important message to a critical age group. Heartbreaking at times. So much emotion throughout the entire book and character development was well done in my opinion.
January 15, 2022
I loved the alpacas, but I couldn't stand the main character's creepily, obsessive-compulsively restless family.
August 28, 2024
MY REVIEW OF ALPACA MY BAGS
By Jenny Goebel
This middle grade novel caught my eye because what knitter, crocheter, spinner, weaver, fiber artist, do you know who doesn’t love her some alpaca wool❣️😂🦙. The best part of this novel geared for kids 8-14 are the facts about the alpacas. Did you know that alpacas are the smallest members of the camel family? Did you know that alpacas are indigenous to South America and have been domesticated for centuries?? And did you know that alpacas are only sheared once a year in the spring, producing 5-10 pounds of soft wool!
The worst part, the main character is a whiinnnyyyy young teen. I got so sick of her whining that I wanted to spit (like a camel)! Also, The parents were flat characters—duds, really. The mother was spineless, the father, a bully.
I would give the story 3 1/2 stars, but halves are not an option. Should you read it? Yes, you should because the alpacas are cool! They are among God’s sweetest creatures and the shining stars of this novel! Dr
By Jenny Goebel
This middle grade novel caught my eye because what knitter, crocheter, spinner, weaver, fiber artist, do you know who doesn’t love her some alpaca wool❣️😂🦙. The best part of this novel geared for kids 8-14 are the facts about the alpacas. Did you know that alpacas are the smallest members of the camel family? Did you know that alpacas are indigenous to South America and have been domesticated for centuries?? And did you know that alpacas are only sheared once a year in the spring, producing 5-10 pounds of soft wool!
The worst part, the main character is a whiinnnyyyy young teen. I got so sick of her whining that I wanted to spit (like a camel)! Also, The parents were flat characters—duds, really. The mother was spineless, the father, a bully.
I would give the story 3 1/2 stars, but halves are not an option. Should you read it? Yes, you should because the alpacas are cool! They are among God’s sweetest creatures and the shining stars of this novel! Dr
June 17, 2023
Amelia is afraid of skiing, rock climbing, etc but her parents and older brothers are thrill seekers. They have been living in in their motorhome moving from one adventure to the next but decide to temporarily stop their nomadic way of life and enroll the kids in public school. Amelia's relative Cat/Catherine is her age but isn't friendly to her.
Amelia sets a bad example by dangerously disregarding instructions from adults and doing what she thinks is best, even in truly life threatening situations. I really don’t like the way her parents force her to participate in extreme activities that scare her and move the family so frequently she can’t have friends or even a pet. I also don’t like how she puts herself down and blames herself for everything.
Fear can equal Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Respond. Ch 4
"No matter how long or how short, it's the connections we make with others that matter most. Connections make life worth living." Ch 11
Amelia sets a bad example by dangerously disregarding instructions from adults and doing what she thinks is best, even in truly life threatening situations. I really don’t like the way her parents force her to participate in extreme activities that scare her and move the family so frequently she can’t have friends or even a pet. I also don’t like how she puts herself down and blames herself for everything.
Fear can equal Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Respond. Ch 4
"No matter how long or how short, it's the connections we make with others that matter most. Connections make life worth living." Ch 11
July 17, 2024
I think this book deserves a 3.5 star rating. This book is about a girl who lives in a fearless family who travel the world on thrilling adventures. The only thing is that Amelia is not as fearless as the rest of her family at all. When her parents say that they have to settle down for a bit and go to school she's very excited, especially because then she can finally meet her cousin. Things aren't totally going her way, specifically at school, but she still doesn't ever want to leave. I have to say that I like the story but Amelia is a very whiny person and that's a pretty bad habit. it also just got really annoying. Especially the fact that she could make the situation (like tell her parents that she needs more practice and for them to go easy on her) and instead she just complains about EVERYTHING. Don't worry, she does it in her mind.
I also have to say that the end was pretty predictable once you got halve way.
I also have to say that the end was pretty predictable once you got halve way.
January 17, 2022
I enjoyed this middle school story about a girl who's parents and brothers love high adventure and travel around the country to achieve it. She doesn't feel as she fits in and is always causing a problem for them and others. I think the author does a good job of developing tension between the daughter and her father and a few other middle schooler. I enjoyed the ending and was surprised by the twist.
January 18, 2022
A good book about figuring out where you belong and how to stand up to your fears. It showed how animals and having a purpose can make all the difference.
But do beware the middle school bully, the selfish father, and the school attendance secretary with an over-inflated sense of power. They can knock anyone off the path someone is trying to find.
But do beware the middle school bully, the selfish father, and the school attendance secretary with an over-inflated sense of power. They can knock anyone off the path someone is trying to find.
October 3, 2023
I love how much Amelia loves alpacas because I love them too. But I just wish that Amelia was more open to her family about how she feels about their family adventures. I also wish that her family wasn't so annoyed with her about it. But I think it's good that Amelia finds something she actually loves doing in the end.
December 31, 2022
Appreciated the way the author handled the main character’s concerns and anxious thoughts and enjoyed all the alpaca content too, of course. :)
The dad in this book made me want to slap him with a wet fish. Selfish bugger.
The dad in this book made me want to slap him with a wet fish. Selfish bugger.
October 14, 2023
Heartwarming and sweet. I related to the main character's emotional and physical neglect by her parents, so that didn't bother me. It could of had more realness of practicing speaking up, but overall a good coming of age story about growth, and finding your home. Plus, alpaca facts and cuteness!
July 18, 2021
I liked it
July 10, 2022
Pre-reading for my 8yo
Read
November 30, 2022I loved the surpize edning! Great book.
March 1, 2023
Excellent middle grade reader that we enjoyed as part of our home education ! We want to go visit some alpacas now
March 27, 2024
Needed a light cute read and this was it!
June 8, 2024
Good but she annoyed me
December 5, 2024
This was a pretty cute book but I wish her parents were a little more understanding of her fears and didn’t push her so much to do things she was uncomfortable doing. I want to pet an alpaca now.
July 10, 2025
It was very good! I loved every single part of the book!
January 14, 2026
Colorado
June 29, 2021
It was really good and I loved learning about Amelia's experience. I really felt like I understood her really well, and learning about the alpacas was great!
April 15, 2022
So, if it was possible I would’ve rated it 3.5 but unfortunately i needed to round it and I couldn’t give this one 4 stars so i gave it 3.
I liked how the book started but i could hardly get through it. The story was about a family who tried extreme stuff and liked to challenge themselves. Then something happens that they should have stopped doing that and return to normal life for some couple of months. Then we have Amelia Jean, the youngest member of the family and the only girl of the 3 siblings. She didn’t enjoy doing what her parents and brothers did.
So far the story had been unique in a way but as you go forward, I don’t know why, but it gets too predictable and boring. I read many books which dealt with the issue of going to a new town, not belonging there, being a fish out of water, then you have bullies in the story and a family member who you don’t warm up with easily, but they were better written.
If the middle part of the book had been faster, it would have been better in my opinion.
At beginning of every chapter there was a fact about alpacas, which was very good.
But i liked the ending. And the last chapter had perfect sentences that gathered the book up.
It was a good book.
I liked how the book started but i could hardly get through it. The story was about a family who tried extreme stuff and liked to challenge themselves. Then something happens that they should have stopped doing that and return to normal life for some couple of months. Then we have Amelia Jean, the youngest member of the family and the only girl of the 3 siblings. She didn’t enjoy doing what her parents and brothers did.
So far the story had been unique in a way but as you go forward, I don’t know why, but it gets too predictable and boring. I read many books which dealt with the issue of going to a new town, not belonging there, being a fish out of water, then you have bullies in the story and a family member who you don’t warm up with easily, but they were better written.
If the middle part of the book had been faster, it would have been better in my opinion.
At beginning of every chapter there was a fact about alpacas, which was very good.
But i liked the ending. And the last chapter had perfect sentences that gathered the book up.
It was a good book.
May 8, 2022
This book was pretty good, I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did last time, but it was still good. My old review is below.
This book was very good. I really enjoy the Wish books because they are a fun and light read, while still being interesting. I thought this one was cool and I really liked the character interactions. I recommend this book to people who like the Wish books and books by Wendy Mass.
This book was very good. I really enjoy the Wish books because they are a fun and light read, while still being interesting. I thought this one was cool and I really liked the character interactions. I recommend this book to people who like the Wish books and books by Wendy Mass.
July 5, 2023
Alpaca my bags an Adventure taking girl named Amelia jean. She was encouraging to the alpacas in the toughest times. I wish I was like Amelia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews