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365 Days to Alaska: A Novel
Now in paperback, a charming debut middle-grade novel about a girl from off-the-grid Alaska adjusting to suburban life
Eleven-year-old Rigel Harman loves her life in the Alaskan wilderness where she hunts and takes correspondence classes without electricity or running water. But when her parents divorce, she and her sisters have to move with their mother to the Connecticut suburbs. Rigel clings to the secret pact she made with her father—he promises to bring her home to Alaska where she belongs, if she can stick it out in Connecticut for one year. Unfortunately, this challenge isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially figuring out the ups-and-downs of middle school. Rigel’s loneliness finally lessens when she forges an unlikely friendship with a crow who needs her help. Yet when that friendship is threatened, Rigel realizes that she may need to let go of her old life to make her own true place in the world—even if, for the time being, that place is Connecticut.
Eleven-year-old Rigel Harman loves her life in the Alaskan wilderness where she hunts and takes correspondence classes without electricity or running water. But when her parents divorce, she and her sisters have to move with their mother to the Connecticut suburbs. Rigel clings to the secret pact she made with her father—he promises to bring her home to Alaska where she belongs, if she can stick it out in Connecticut for one year. Unfortunately, this challenge isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially figuring out the ups-and-downs of middle school. Rigel’s loneliness finally lessens when she forges an unlikely friendship with a crow who needs her help. Yet when that friendship is threatened, Rigel realizes that she may need to let go of her old life to make her own true place in the world—even if, for the time being, that place is Connecticut.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2021
About the author
Cathy Carr
12 books32 followersCathy Carr grew up in Wisconsin, where a steady supply of her dad’s stories about his Alaskan adventures sparked her interest in the forty-ninth state. A former copy editor, library clerk, and technical writer, she now lives in New Jersey with her family and writes fiction. See what's new with her at www.cathycarrwrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
March 31, 2022
4.5 stars!
This is the kind of middle grade novel I absolutely adore.
Rigel lives with her parents and two sisters in the middle of nowhere Alaska, where they hunt for their food and don’t have running water or electricity. When her parents divorce, Rigel along with her mom and sisters go to live with their grandmother in Connecticut. Rigel hates it there but has a secret keeping her going: her dad promised her that after one year she could return to Alaska.
This was the perfect book about not fitting in in school. Rigel goes from a very rural life to one in the suburbs. She deals with the struggles of making friends and adjusting to school when she’s never been to one before. I was sucked into the story very quickly and it held my attention the whole time. My favorite parts of the book was Rigel’s relationship with Blueberry. I can see myself recommending this book to many middle grade readers.
This is the kind of middle grade novel I absolutely adore.
Rigel lives with her parents and two sisters in the middle of nowhere Alaska, where they hunt for their food and don’t have running water or electricity. When her parents divorce, Rigel along with her mom and sisters go to live with their grandmother in Connecticut. Rigel hates it there but has a secret keeping her going: her dad promised her that after one year she could return to Alaska.
This was the perfect book about not fitting in in school. Rigel goes from a very rural life to one in the suburbs. She deals with the struggles of making friends and adjusting to school when she’s never been to one before. I was sucked into the story very quickly and it held my attention the whole time. My favorite parts of the book was Rigel’s relationship with Blueberry. I can see myself recommending this book to many middle grade readers.
January 4, 2021
Rigel is 11, she can shoot a rabbit for dinner, and her favorite food is salmon jerky. When her mother Lila moves Rigel and her sisters to Connecticut to live with their grandmother, there is some culture shock to deal with. Her life goes from "off-the-grid" to "just-off-the-turnpike." All she can think about is a promise her dad Bear made to let her come back to Alaska after one year -- 365 days. Rigel starts her countdown. Meanwhile a crow catches her attention at school. She begins to spend time outside at lunch as well as before and after school getting to know the bird and names it Blueberry. Conflicts abound as Rigel adjusts to her new environment and so does the rest of her family. Communication from Bear seems to be less and less. Does he really want her to move back? Should Rigel be feeding Blueberry rather than letting it try to survive on its own? Is it worth her time to make friends if she is going to leave after a year anyway? Where has nature gone? I loved reading about Rigel's life in Alaska and Connecticut. The cover is also top notch. Fabulous debut.
Thank you to ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2022
4 stars
I've always found thought about how challenging it would be to live in a place without running water, indoor plumbing etc, but that is the reality for eleven year old Rigel and she loves growing up in Alaska. When her parents get divorced and she and her sister move to Connecticut with their mother it's quite the culture shock. What I didn't think much about was how different it could be to go from Alaska to a house with four bathrooms, a fridge and freezer, etc.
I thought this book was so interesting. Seeing Rigel acclimate to her new home and surroundings and figuring out a new normal. I especially liked the parts with Blueberry.
I've always found thought about how challenging it would be to live in a place without running water, indoor plumbing etc, but that is the reality for eleven year old Rigel and she loves growing up in Alaska. When her parents get divorced and she and her sister move to Connecticut with their mother it's quite the culture shock. What I didn't think much about was how different it could be to go from Alaska to a house with four bathrooms, a fridge and freezer, etc.
I thought this book was so interesting. Seeing Rigel acclimate to her new home and surroundings and figuring out a new normal. I especially liked the parts with Blueberry.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrator: Patricia Santomasso
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Middle Grade
Length: 6h 26m
June 26, 2020
Quick: read the publisher's description of this one.
If you know me, you’ll know that summary just tweaked a couple of sensitive points. As a former homeschooler and current homeschooling mom, my radar is always out for portrayals of homeschooling–and I’ve become less tolerant when they’re done poorly and fall into cliches and stereotypes. I’m also a Connecticut transplant who has found it possible to live at least somewhat off the land, even in a suburb of a big city. I confess that the main reason I wanted to read this book was to make sure it didn’t spread any untruths about homeschooling, Connecticut, or subsistence living. It’s not really the best attitude with which to approach a book.
And then… I was blown away. Cathy Carr takes a fairly commonly-done theme and plot and makes it shine with perfect characterizations, believable struggles and emotional arcs, and just plain excellent writing. I absolutely loved this.
Let me address a few of those sensitive points:
I loved that, despite depicting a fairly sheltered life in Alaska, the author never blamed homeschooling itself for any lack of social grace or awareness. In fact, by contrasting shy Rigel with her outgoing sisters, Cathy Carr demonstrates that personality, more than educational-style, will effect a child’s social skills. A large part of the book also focuses on the failings of the school system in allowing for good social interactions–all the bullying and peer pressure that is so much a part of that environment. This was all balanced and true-to-life. I so appreciate that the hackneyed “homeschooled kid learns to thrive in school environment” theme was completely eschewed in favor of a theme that allowed for real personal growth.
I could have gone for a slightly more nuanced view of Connecticut. We do have farms and nature sanctuaries and some good, old-fashioned small towns. We’re not Alaska. But we’re not all Fairfield County rich kids. Even Fairfield County rich kids aren’t all Fairfield County rich kids. That said, Cathy Carr again avoided the most harmful stereotypes, so I appreciated that. She also showed how beautifully diverse our state is. I know it’s impossible to show an entire culture in one story, and Rigel was exposed to only one small bit of CT.
The off-the-grid lifestyle was shown to be difficult and impressive, rather than odd and unbalanced–even while showing its common pitfalls. Yes, an 11-year-old kid uses a gun to hunt. But it’s clear that this 11-year-old has been taught more gun safety than your average middle aged guy. She respects the gun as a dangerous tool and wouldn’t use it lightly. Her parents allow her to hunt because she is responsible and capable. This all could so easily have been twisted into disrespect for those who live such an extreme lifestyle–but it wasn’t.
Finally, I have to add that 365 Days to Alaska is an excellent family story. Like another recent favorite, What Happens Next, it shows that sister relationships are worth fighting for.
If you know me, you’ll know that summary just tweaked a couple of sensitive points. As a former homeschooler and current homeschooling mom, my radar is always out for portrayals of homeschooling–and I’ve become less tolerant when they’re done poorly and fall into cliches and stereotypes. I’m also a Connecticut transplant who has found it possible to live at least somewhat off the land, even in a suburb of a big city. I confess that the main reason I wanted to read this book was to make sure it didn’t spread any untruths about homeschooling, Connecticut, or subsistence living. It’s not really the best attitude with which to approach a book.
And then… I was blown away. Cathy Carr takes a fairly commonly-done theme and plot and makes it shine with perfect characterizations, believable struggles and emotional arcs, and just plain excellent writing. I absolutely loved this.
Let me address a few of those sensitive points:
I loved that, despite depicting a fairly sheltered life in Alaska, the author never blamed homeschooling itself for any lack of social grace or awareness. In fact, by contrasting shy Rigel with her outgoing sisters, Cathy Carr demonstrates that personality, more than educational-style, will effect a child’s social skills. A large part of the book also focuses on the failings of the school system in allowing for good social interactions–all the bullying and peer pressure that is so much a part of that environment. This was all balanced and true-to-life. I so appreciate that the hackneyed “homeschooled kid learns to thrive in school environment” theme was completely eschewed in favor of a theme that allowed for real personal growth.
I could have gone for a slightly more nuanced view of Connecticut. We do have farms and nature sanctuaries and some good, old-fashioned small towns. We’re not Alaska. But we’re not all Fairfield County rich kids. Even Fairfield County rich kids aren’t all Fairfield County rich kids. That said, Cathy Carr again avoided the most harmful stereotypes, so I appreciated that. She also showed how beautifully diverse our state is. I know it’s impossible to show an entire culture in one story, and Rigel was exposed to only one small bit of CT.
The off-the-grid lifestyle was shown to be difficult and impressive, rather than odd and unbalanced–even while showing its common pitfalls. Yes, an 11-year-old kid uses a gun to hunt. But it’s clear that this 11-year-old has been taught more gun safety than your average middle aged guy. She respects the gun as a dangerous tool and wouldn’t use it lightly. Her parents allow her to hunt because she is responsible and capable. This all could so easily have been twisted into disrespect for those who live such an extreme lifestyle–but it wasn’t.
Finally, I have to add that 365 Days to Alaska is an excellent family story. Like another recent favorite, What Happens Next, it shows that sister relationships are worth fighting for.
January 13, 2024
The first novel written by Cathy Carr, this story sets up a lovely coming of age story. 11 year old Rigel Herman is a girl who lives in Alaska, in a very off the grid environment. She calls her parents by their first names. She has two sisters, one older and one younger. She is very close to her father. When her parents divorce, she moves with her mom and sisters to Connecticut, setting up this fish out of water story.
When she moves to Connecticut, she is reintroduced to the grandmother she hasn’t seen for many years. Her mother gets a new job as a house cleaner. Her older sister gets a boyfriend really fast. Her younger sister starts the first grade. Of course, all Rigel wants to do is go back to Alaska, where she can hang out with her dad as he chops wood and hunts possums. She has culture shock, and agrees with her dad that Connecticut is plastic and fake.
Rigel is a pretty normal girl for her age. Unlike a lot of novels for younger readers these days, Carr doesn’t try to give Rigel anything out of the ordinary for the most part. However, she does add the charming element of Rigel’s love for animals, as Rigel makes friends with a crow in the parking lot of the school. She names the crow Blueberry. She feeds Blueberry apples and anything from her bagged lunch she feels would be good for a bird.
The subplot about Rigel and her love for Blueberry adds a charming element to the novel. She feels responsible for the little crow. She even goes to see Blueberry be released into the wild after he hurts his wing and goes to a wildlife rehabilitation center. As the novel goes on, Rigel makes friends with a couple other kids at the school, mostly the nerdy kids. However, she isn’t sold on Connecticut for most the book. She holds onto the promise her dad made that she could come back to Alaska if Connecticut didn't work out, but she had to give the place at least one year.
As Rigel doesn’t want to admit it, she starts to make a life for herself in Connecticut, joining school clubs and embracing her new friends. Carr's debut novel is a good read for younger readers that aren't earth shattering but are big enough for a young reader to relate to. Rigel is a realistic kid, which readers of a younger age group could relate to. All the things Rigel faces in this book are relatable for kid readers, as they aren’t too big but are big enough for a younger reader to relate to. I thought the point of a view of a kid from off the grid Alaska adjusting to suburban Connecticut was unique.
When she moves to Connecticut, she is reintroduced to the grandmother she hasn’t seen for many years. Her mother gets a new job as a house cleaner. Her older sister gets a boyfriend really fast. Her younger sister starts the first grade. Of course, all Rigel wants to do is go back to Alaska, where she can hang out with her dad as he chops wood and hunts possums. She has culture shock, and agrees with her dad that Connecticut is plastic and fake.
Rigel is a pretty normal girl for her age. Unlike a lot of novels for younger readers these days, Carr doesn’t try to give Rigel anything out of the ordinary for the most part. However, she does add the charming element of Rigel’s love for animals, as Rigel makes friends with a crow in the parking lot of the school. She names the crow Blueberry. She feeds Blueberry apples and anything from her bagged lunch she feels would be good for a bird.
The subplot about Rigel and her love for Blueberry adds a charming element to the novel. She feels responsible for the little crow. She even goes to see Blueberry be released into the wild after he hurts his wing and goes to a wildlife rehabilitation center. As the novel goes on, Rigel makes friends with a couple other kids at the school, mostly the nerdy kids. However, she isn’t sold on Connecticut for most the book. She holds onto the promise her dad made that she could come back to Alaska if Connecticut didn't work out, but she had to give the place at least one year.
As Rigel doesn’t want to admit it, she starts to make a life for herself in Connecticut, joining school clubs and embracing her new friends. Carr's debut novel is a good read for younger readers that aren't earth shattering but are big enough for a young reader to relate to. Rigel is a realistic kid, which readers of a younger age group could relate to. All the things Rigel faces in this book are relatable for kid readers, as they aren’t too big but are big enough for a younger reader to relate to. I thought the point of a view of a kid from off the grid Alaska adjusting to suburban Connecticut was unique.
October 20, 2020
*I received a free eARC of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review*
365 Days to Alaska is a book that takes you by surprise. You know from the description that it’s about a girl that goes to live in Connecticut and is counting down until she can go back to Alaska to live with her father. That much is right there for you. But what the description doesn’t give you is what life is like for an eleven year old that’s dropped into a world that she doesn’t know when all she wants to do is go back to where she grew up. It’s the ultimate new person in a new place story but with everything turned up to 100. Rigel isn’t just a girl starting at a new school and struggling to fit in. She’s a girl that grew up in a cabin with no electricity or running water, the perfect life in her opinion, suddenly living in small town Connecticut and dealing with so many new things at once. It’s a coming of age story while also being one that deals with divorce in a way that’s important for kids.
Some books do make it seem like everything is fine when there is a divorce or start years after it’s already happened. But that isn’t how Cathy Carr writes it. You get all of the painful details and honestly it’s heartbreaking. I’ve never experienced something like that but my heart broke for Rigel to see how she handled not only being away from her father but having communication suddenly stop. Sadly it’s something kids deal with but Cathy weaves in so much to the story that you start to see that not everyones lives are as perfect as they want them to be. And that maybe Rigel and a broken crow have a lot more in common than you might thing. They just need to be healed and set free to live their lives in a new place where they can be how they want.
The book deals with a lot of heavy topics and honestly its handled beautifully especially for a debut novel. Sure sometimes it’s a little stomach turning to talk about skinning a hare or a dead possum but Rigel is a tough girl and things like that don’t get to her.
365 Days to Alaska is a book that takes you by surprise. You know from the description that it’s about a girl that goes to live in Connecticut and is counting down until she can go back to Alaska to live with her father. That much is right there for you. But what the description doesn’t give you is what life is like for an eleven year old that’s dropped into a world that she doesn’t know when all she wants to do is go back to where she grew up. It’s the ultimate new person in a new place story but with everything turned up to 100. Rigel isn’t just a girl starting at a new school and struggling to fit in. She’s a girl that grew up in a cabin with no electricity or running water, the perfect life in her opinion, suddenly living in small town Connecticut and dealing with so many new things at once. It’s a coming of age story while also being one that deals with divorce in a way that’s important for kids.
Some books do make it seem like everything is fine when there is a divorce or start years after it’s already happened. But that isn’t how Cathy Carr writes it. You get all of the painful details and honestly it’s heartbreaking. I’ve never experienced something like that but my heart broke for Rigel to see how she handled not only being away from her father but having communication suddenly stop. Sadly it’s something kids deal with but Cathy weaves in so much to the story that you start to see that not everyones lives are as perfect as they want them to be. And that maybe Rigel and a broken crow have a lot more in common than you might thing. They just need to be healed and set free to live their lives in a new place where they can be how they want.
The book deals with a lot of heavy topics and honestly its handled beautifully especially for a debut novel. Sure sometimes it’s a little stomach turning to talk about skinning a hare or a dead possum but Rigel is a tough girl and things like that don’t get to her.
July 21, 2021
An 11 year old, who's been uprooted from her home, her comfort zone.. albeit that zone is one of the toughest places on planet to live in, Alaska! And moved to the "outside"- Connecticut, which isn't something she wants, can be a time of turmoil for anyone, leave alone a pre-teen.
Rigel Harman and her sisters move to civilization after being born and brought up as "bush rats" when their parents seperate, and their mom moves back to her home town. While others are happy, Rigel lives on the belief and her Father's assurance that its a short term prospect. Smart and intelligent, but she doesn't want to stick her roots or form friendships just waiting eagerly for the day she goes back.
What follows is a beautiful story where she learns to embrace change, form bonds and also faces being let down by the adults in her life.
Transformation of a life from an off grid Alaskan bush to Connecticut, about the kid who felt right at home in wilderness and lost amongst people...it's a story which is warm, right down to its bones.
It's a book about hope, beauty and friendships which follow you, no matter where you are in the world!
Do I recommend it? Hell yes, pretty sure you'd enjoy meeting the young girl who can shoot wild rabbits and solve math equations in her head with equal elan!
Rigel Harman and her sisters move to civilization after being born and brought up as "bush rats" when their parents seperate, and their mom moves back to her home town. While others are happy, Rigel lives on the belief and her Father's assurance that its a short term prospect. Smart and intelligent, but she doesn't want to stick her roots or form friendships just waiting eagerly for the day she goes back.
What follows is a beautiful story where she learns to embrace change, form bonds and also faces being let down by the adults in her life.
Transformation of a life from an off grid Alaskan bush to Connecticut, about the kid who felt right at home in wilderness and lost amongst people...it's a story which is warm, right down to its bones.
It's a book about hope, beauty and friendships which follow you, no matter where you are in the world!
Do I recommend it? Hell yes, pretty sure you'd enjoy meeting the young girl who can shoot wild rabbits and solve math equations in her head with equal elan!
October 24, 2020
365 Days to Alaska is exactly the type of book I would want my students reading in grades 6-7!
💚
I'm a sucker for a book that highlights the relationship between a child and an animal, especially when this animal is an unusual pet. I must admit that I haven't found one I love since Pax, but here we are!
💛
Rigel is taken away from the only life she's ever known, bush life in Alaska, when her parents split up and her mom takes the kids to Connecticut. Rigel hates it, and she's counting down the days (365) until she can go back to live with her dad.
💜
The themes of family, friendship, and loss are so wonderfully developed. There are lessons in this book about forgiving a betrayal, accepting people who are different, and learning to say goodbye, all lessons that I deem to be invaluable for middle school kids. Rigel's character is very relatable, and the friendship she develops with a crow is truly special and heartwarming.
🧡
I would highly recommend this book for middle school kids, although I'm sure that you will also enjoy reading it with them.
💚
I'm a sucker for a book that highlights the relationship between a child and an animal, especially when this animal is an unusual pet. I must admit that I haven't found one I love since Pax, but here we are!
💛
Rigel is taken away from the only life she's ever known, bush life in Alaska, when her parents split up and her mom takes the kids to Connecticut. Rigel hates it, and she's counting down the days (365) until she can go back to live with her dad.
💜
The themes of family, friendship, and loss are so wonderfully developed. There are lessons in this book about forgiving a betrayal, accepting people who are different, and learning to say goodbye, all lessons that I deem to be invaluable for middle school kids. Rigel's character is very relatable, and the friendship she develops with a crow is truly special and heartwarming.
🧡
I would highly recommend this book for middle school kids, although I'm sure that you will also enjoy reading it with them.
July 27, 2020
When I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down! I was immediately caught up in the stream of the life of Rigel and her family. The book begins in Alaska and being someone who has always wanted to visit there, I was entranced by the descriptions and the place it held in Rigel's heart. I was swept along as Rigel was uprooted and traveled to Connecticut (for 365 days - until, as her father promised she could return to Alaska and they could be reunited) and the adjustment began. Having lived overseas as a child I found the adjustment to life in Connecticut to be reminiscent of the culture shock I experienced whenever I returned to the United States.
If I had to describe this book in three words, I would say caring, captivating, and funny. I cared about Rigel from the moment I met her and could identify with the multitude of feelings she was experiencing in her quest for understanding and belonging. The author of this book told a compelling story, so much so that I found myself so caught up in it that I kept reading because I wanted to see what would happen next. The author's writing style was smooth and easy to read. What endeared me even more to the book was the author's sense of humor. It takes a lot to make me laugh and at several points, I found 365 Days to Alaska to be laugh out loud funny. It wasn't necessarily something being said to make me laugh, but rather how the author put things. I am planning to reread this book at some point so I can savor the story.
I am so impressed with this author and her debut book. I hope that she is writing as I type this review because I would love to read more books by Cathy Carr!
If I had to describe this book in three words, I would say caring, captivating, and funny. I cared about Rigel from the moment I met her and could identify with the multitude of feelings she was experiencing in her quest for understanding and belonging. The author of this book told a compelling story, so much so that I found myself so caught up in it that I kept reading because I wanted to see what would happen next. The author's writing style was smooth and easy to read. What endeared me even more to the book was the author's sense of humor. It takes a lot to make me laugh and at several points, I found 365 Days to Alaska to be laugh out loud funny. It wasn't necessarily something being said to make me laugh, but rather how the author put things. I am planning to reread this book at some point so I can savor the story.
I am so impressed with this author and her debut book. I hope that she is writing as I type this review because I would love to read more books by Cathy Carr!
October 21, 2020
Heartbreaking and heartwarming coming of age story.
May 17, 2022
365 Days to Alaska is a middle grade debut novel. The story focuses on Rigel who is 11 years old. It starts out with her living in the Alaska bush with her dad, Bear, her mom, Lila, and her two sisters, Willow & Izzy. When her parents decide to divorce her, her mom and sisters go to live with their G'ma in Connecticut. Before they leave for Connecticut Rigel makes Bear promise her that she can come back to live with him in a year.
In her new life in Connecticut, she begins counting down the days until she can return to her familiar Alaskan life. Over the year we watch Rigel learn that life in Connecticut isn't as bad as she originally thought. Plus the reader watches her go from hero-worshipping her father to coming to terms with the fact her dad is human and makes mistakes.
365 DAY TO ALASKA
● Rigel (11)
● parents divorced
● moved with her mom to Connecticut
● Blueberry the crow
● counting down to when she can go back to Alaska to live with her dad
● middle-grade genre
● debut book
In her new life in Connecticut, she begins counting down the days until she can return to her familiar Alaskan life. Over the year we watch Rigel learn that life in Connecticut isn't as bad as she originally thought. Plus the reader watches her go from hero-worshipping her father to coming to terms with the fact her dad is human and makes mistakes.
365 DAY TO ALASKA
● Rigel (11)
● parents divorced
● moved with her mom to Connecticut
● Blueberry the crow
● counting down to when she can go back to Alaska to live with her dad
● middle-grade genre
● debut book
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Patricia Santomasso
Length: 6H 26M
January 16, 2021
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through Edelweiss
This was a great story. I finished it so quickly, and the story had me engaged through it all. Rigel lives in a small cabin in Alaska, and her daily life is quite different to most of ours, but she loves it there. Once her parents break up though, she and her sisters are forced to move into the "Outside" - the crowded world of the city. Rigel hates it and she's having a hard time adjusting, so she pits all her hopes on her dad's promise to take her back in a year - which leaves her with 365 days to Alaska.
But Rigel didn't count on things changing - getting used to the place, developing new interests, finding friends. 365 Days to Alaska is a story of her slowly working out a way to live in a new place and finding out what she wants. It was a great story, you really feel for Rigel and the other characters, they're all realistic and the story progression is wonderful too. I really enjoyed it.
One thing to note though, is that it may be triggering - it was for me. Rigel isn't badly bullied, but she's definitely considered 'a loser' and the popular kids treat her (and others) awfully. Some of her classmates are total crap, and it just brought me back to my school years when I was bullied by my classmates. The mean behavior of the attention-seekers at school is written very well - which is why it was somewhat triggering for me and brought me back to those years. Still, the overall message and the resolution of that situation is also written very well and is very satisfying, but if you (or the younger reader you intended this book for) is sensitive about bullying, you may want to keep this in mind. Other than that, this book is a wonderful read and very recommended!
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
This was a great story. I finished it so quickly, and the story had me engaged through it all. Rigel lives in a small cabin in Alaska, and her daily life is quite different to most of ours, but she loves it there. Once her parents break up though, she and her sisters are forced to move into the "Outside" - the crowded world of the city. Rigel hates it and she's having a hard time adjusting, so she pits all her hopes on her dad's promise to take her back in a year - which leaves her with 365 days to Alaska.
But Rigel didn't count on things changing - getting used to the place, developing new interests, finding friends. 365 Days to Alaska is a story of her slowly working out a way to live in a new place and finding out what she wants. It was a great story, you really feel for Rigel and the other characters, they're all realistic and the story progression is wonderful too. I really enjoyed it.
One thing to note though, is that it may be triggering - it was for me. Rigel isn't badly bullied, but she's definitely considered 'a loser' and the popular kids treat her (and others) awfully. Some of her classmates are total crap, and it just brought me back to my school years when I was bullied by my classmates. The mean behavior of the attention-seekers at school is written very well - which is why it was somewhat triggering for me and brought me back to those years. Still, the overall message and the resolution of that situation is also written very well and is very satisfying, but if you (or the younger reader you intended this book for) is sensitive about bullying, you may want to keep this in mind. Other than that, this book is a wonderful read and very recommended!
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
February 19, 2021
Amazing book. It has wonderful and startlingly realistic characters, vivid depictions of both Alaska and Connecticut, perfect pacing, and one of my favorite main characters I've ever encountered in middle grade or any genre—Rigel Harman. Transplanted unwillingly from Alaska to Connecticut, Rigel is a complex, sensitive, and deeply good human being whose journey to adapting to her new surroundings is totally believable, fascinating, and moving. I really appreciated that Carr pulled no punches in describing some of the downsides of modern suburban/urban life (things like pollution, wildlife destruction, wastefulness) from Rigel's point of view while also showing her journey towards adapting to it while retaining her own identity and sense of self. All of the minor characters are also extremely well done and believable, especially the father. As a former homeschooler, I appreciate that she depicted homeschooling realistically and respectfully, and didn't make it the focus of Rigel's challenges adapting to her new school in Connecticut.
I just love everything about this book. I hope it gets the wider recognition and awards it deserves, and I can't wait for Carr's next book!
I just love everything about this book. I hope it gets the wider recognition and awards it deserves, and I can't wait for Carr's next book!
May 13, 2020
really enjoyed this book. The main character is 11 year old Rigel. Self sufficient and raised on a bush homestead in Alaska she is a strong, independent girl. Her world is turned upside when her mother and father separate and she and her sisters move with their mother to Connecticut. She makes a secret pact with her father that if she can make it for a year (365 days) she can go back to Alaska. Until then she needs to find a way to survive in an environment that is radically different! As the story unfolds RIgel befriends a crow and a group of "outsiders. She realizes that people may not always be what they appear, that promises can be broken and that she is strong enough to survive and flourish! The book has a strong female character who is capable and creative.
May 1, 2021
I enjoyed Rigel's countdown until the day she could finally be reunited with her father in Alaska. The string of disappointments that led to her poignant realization that her father was not going to keep his end of the deal felt authentic, as did her grudging acclimation and acceptance of her new home.
November 11, 2020
Imagine you are 11. You love your family and your way of life. You've never known any other life style. What most people call "harsh" you live everyday. A remote cabin in Alaska, no running water, no neighbors, no local school, this is how a lot of people dream of living, and you love it. Now, imagine your family is splitting up. You are leaving your father behind in Alaska and moving to Connecticut with your mother and two sisters. Culture shock with a capital C.
Rigel is that girl. 11 yrs old and learning how to fit in while missing her father and her "other" life. The story is a really good one on how to make choices when you have control over so little in your life. As her family adjusts, so must she. They help each other and learn that being different is not a bad thing at all. Target audience is middle grade but I read the book with a cross section from 5-14 and all enjoyed Rigel's journey.
Rigel is that girl. 11 yrs old and learning how to fit in while missing her father and her "other" life. The story is a really good one on how to make choices when you have control over so little in your life. As her family adjusts, so must she. They help each other and learn that being different is not a bad thing at all. Target audience is middle grade but I read the book with a cross section from 5-14 and all enjoyed Rigel's journey.
August 12, 2021
Rigel Harman lives in one of the cabins way off grid in Alaska. She and her sisters are brought up as “Bush Rats”. They hunt for living, live without running water or electricity. School work happens through correspondence. The farthest Rigel has been from her home is Fort McPhee, a small town relatively closer to their cabin. Unfortunately her parents separate and the girls move to suburban Connecticut to live with their grandma.
Rigel moves reluctantly hiding a big secret within her. She is going to move back to Alaska to be with her dad right after an year !
Rest of the story unfolds about Rigel’s despise for the fast paced city, school and people too ! The story takes you through life in middle school, bullies, finding real friends and the feeling of being at home. A book which gives you hope and happiness. The book made me feel so happy and warm on a stormy dreary evening.
A wonderful book. Don’t miss reading this
Rigel moves reluctantly hiding a big secret within her. She is going to move back to Alaska to be with her dad right after an year !
Rest of the story unfolds about Rigel’s despise for the fast paced city, school and people too ! The story takes you through life in middle school, bullies, finding real friends and the feeling of being at home. A book which gives you hope and happiness. The book made me feel so happy and warm on a stormy dreary evening.
A wonderful book. Don’t miss reading this
August 4, 2020
I received this e-ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rigel has spent her whole life in the Alaskan bush, but her parents have divorced, and her mom is moving her and her sisters all the way to Connecticut. Willow and Izzy are excited, but Rigel loves everything about the Alaskan wilderness and has plans to return to Alaska and her dad in a year. Connecticut is so foreign to her its challenging, and what's keeping her going is her daily countdown to return.
Rigel is a great protagonist. Academics aren't a struggle for her, but the transition from distance learning to public school is a tough one. I hope this book finds its way to the middle grade readers in the Alaskan wilderness, but I think the ones in the lower 48 will love this just as much!
Rigel has spent her whole life in the Alaskan bush, but her parents have divorced, and her mom is moving her and her sisters all the way to Connecticut. Willow and Izzy are excited, but Rigel loves everything about the Alaskan wilderness and has plans to return to Alaska and her dad in a year. Connecticut is so foreign to her its challenging, and what's keeping her going is her daily countdown to return.
Rigel is a great protagonist. Academics aren't a struggle for her, but the transition from distance learning to public school is a tough one. I hope this book finds its way to the middle grade readers in the Alaskan wilderness, but I think the ones in the lower 48 will love this just as much!
July 2, 2020
Review copy thanks to Netgalley and Amulet Books.
June 11, 2023
My sweet spot is middle grade fiction and this one was perfect. Rigel and her mom and sisters have left the wilds of Alaska to move to Connecticut with their grandmother. Rigel wants to return to Alasa and misses it terribly. She's counting on her dad's promise that he will let her come back after she spends a year in CT. But, of course things don't go as planned.
March 17, 2022
This story's first line about Rigel making a slit in the hare was incredible and hooked me in. The story pacing is on point and my heart really felt for Rigel as she moved to Connecticut. I was rooting so hard for Rigel and Alaska and realized near the end that sometimes what a character wants isn't always what they need. Carr expertly shows us this through Rigel's actions and thoughts. All of a sudden, I was rooting for something different for Rigel, something that was best, and I hadn't even realized it! The ending and last line left me satisfied and I sighed happily as I closed this book. My daughter commented that this book didn't sound like the author's first book :) and was hooked in as well. I also loved that this book talked about Alaska, living without basic amenities as a 'bush rat' and the way Rigel thrived.
Beautifully done and I can't wait to read more from this debut author.
Beautifully done and I can't wait to read more from this debut author.
August 26, 2021
A very strong debut, one of the best middle grade novels I've seen in a while. I thought I would hate it if the lesson turned out to be "adapting to change is good" instead of "determination to endure until you can go back to the way things were is rewarded," but the book so slowly and carefully reveals both benefits to Connecticut + cracks in Rigel's hero-worship of her father that I could not only see why Lila left him*, I eventually realized I would be happy no matter where Rigel ended up wanting to live.
(*which is wild because one, I never understand divorce unless there is abuse, cheating or addiction at play, and two, at one point Willow actually yells at Lila about why "you and Bear couldn't suck it up and figure out how to get along!", which is what I always feel and no one ever gets to say, and yet, by the time she did, I acknowledged that this was an unfair/unreasonable expectation.)
Another thing I really like about this book is that it's not afraid to portray certain adults as less competent than others, nor to have Rigel's mother stand up for her daughter and point out when Rigel is being more reasonable than adults at her school (while ALSO saying things like "a suspension from school is not a vacation" because she's a really good mom). Family is such an important theme in this book, and I really like Rigel's sisters and her relationship with them as well.
Though they don't spend long in Alaska, there is plenty of great detail about how hard you have to work to carve a living out of the bush as well as what preteens are capable of doing on their own in that situation, though this also means if you're squeamish about things like field-dressing a rabbit, you might have a few unpleasant surprises. Still, I love a book that acknowledges kids who actually are mature for their age.
And finally, Blueberry the crow is adorable, and the story finds a lovely middle ground between endorsing Rigel's actions regarding him and lambasting her for them. (P.S. Future Lila/Kevin, amiright?? As an adult, you think of these things.)
(*which is wild because one, I never understand divorce unless there is abuse, cheating or addiction at play, and two, at one point Willow actually yells at Lila about why "you and Bear couldn't suck it up and figure out how to get along!", which is what I always feel and no one ever gets to say, and yet, by the time she did, I acknowledged that this was an unfair/unreasonable expectation.)
Another thing I really like about this book is that it's not afraid to portray certain adults as less competent than others, nor to have Rigel's mother stand up for her daughter and point out when Rigel is being more reasonable than adults at her school (while ALSO saying things like "a suspension from school is not a vacation" because she's a really good mom). Family is such an important theme in this book, and I really like Rigel's sisters and her relationship with them as well.
Though they don't spend long in Alaska, there is plenty of great detail about how hard you have to work to carve a living out of the bush as well as what preteens are capable of doing on their own in that situation, though this also means if you're squeamish about things like field-dressing a rabbit, you might have a few unpleasant surprises. Still, I love a book that acknowledges kids who actually are mature for their age.
And finally, Blueberry the crow is adorable, and the story finds a lovely middle ground between endorsing Rigel's actions regarding him and lambasting her for them. (P.S. Future Lila/Kevin, amiright?? As an adult, you think of these things.)
August 11, 2020
365 Days to Alaska is the first book I have read since Covid-19 began that has made me cry. It is a beautiful story of a young girl coming to terms with her parents’ divorce and huge change in living situation. Rigel was born in the Alaskan Bush and is completely happy in her wilderness. Rigel loves her family, including her parents and two sisters, and their off-the-grid lifestyle. Her world is forever changed when her parents get divorced and her Mom moves Rigel and her sisters to Connecticut.
Rigel does not want to leave her beautiful Alaska, but is not allowed to stay with her dad. They make a pact that Rigel needs to stay in Connecticut for one year. After that, her Dad will bring her back to Alaska to live with him. For the next six months, Rigel works hard to keep her agreement with her Dad. However, life in Connecticut is nothing like her Alaska. Rigel needs to dig deep to come to terms with her new world.
As a school librarian, this is a book I will add to our collection. Parts of the book are comfortably predictable and are easy for students to understand. The conclusion offers a certain amount of resolution, something so important in children’s literature. Yet at the same time, there is enough ambiguity for students to draw their own conclusions. There are several parts of the story that tug strongly at your emotions and draw you further into the story.
As a mother of a 4th grader, I loved the straight forward nature of the story. There are no hidden political messages or potential minefields I need to address before my son reads this book. There is enough action to engage active children. There are enough emotional situations to draw in young readers who crave those connections.
I would recommend this book to any child who enjoys realistic fiction or any child struggling to come to terms with a huge upheaval in their lives.
Rigel does not want to leave her beautiful Alaska, but is not allowed to stay with her dad. They make a pact that Rigel needs to stay in Connecticut for one year. After that, her Dad will bring her back to Alaska to live with him. For the next six months, Rigel works hard to keep her agreement with her Dad. However, life in Connecticut is nothing like her Alaska. Rigel needs to dig deep to come to terms with her new world.
As a school librarian, this is a book I will add to our collection. Parts of the book are comfortably predictable and are easy for students to understand. The conclusion offers a certain amount of resolution, something so important in children’s literature. Yet at the same time, there is enough ambiguity for students to draw their own conclusions. There are several parts of the story that tug strongly at your emotions and draw you further into the story.
As a mother of a 4th grader, I loved the straight forward nature of the story. There are no hidden political messages or potential minefields I need to address before my son reads this book. There is enough action to engage active children. There are enough emotional situations to draw in young readers who crave those connections.
I would recommend this book to any child who enjoys realistic fiction or any child struggling to come to terms with a huge upheaval in their lives.
July 27, 2021
When Rigel's parents separate, Rigel finds herself whisked way from her life in Alaska to live in Connecticut with her mother, sisters and grandmother.Rigel lived off the grid in Alaska. She was extremely close to her father who stayed behind in Alaska. Before she left he promised her that she could move back to Alaska and live with him, but she had to live in Connecticut for a year first.
Life is Connecticut is very different from life in Alaska. Rigel has a hard time adjusting. What gets her through it is the promise that she can return to Alaska in a year. Rigel has a hard time making friends with kids her own age. She does make friends with a crow that lives behind the school, ignoring her mother's advice not to get too close to wild animals.
As the months pass, Rigel's father is harder and harder to get a hold of. Eventually he starts dating someone and Rigel begins to think that maybe she won't be returning to Alaska after all. BUt as time goes on, Rigel become used to living in Connecticut and realizes that maybe it's not as bad as she first thought.
I found this book to be very interesting and I think kids will agree. It was fascinating to read about her life off the grid in Alaska. There were some funny moments when Rigel was trying to fit in at school like when she brought a raccoon carcass to school with her! This was the story of a young girl adjusting to life after a divorce, discovering who she is and learning about the importance of family and friendship. I highly recommend this book!
Life is Connecticut is very different from life in Alaska. Rigel has a hard time adjusting. What gets her through it is the promise that she can return to Alaska in a year. Rigel has a hard time making friends with kids her own age. She does make friends with a crow that lives behind the school, ignoring her mother's advice not to get too close to wild animals.
As the months pass, Rigel's father is harder and harder to get a hold of. Eventually he starts dating someone and Rigel begins to think that maybe she won't be returning to Alaska after all. BUt as time goes on, Rigel become used to living in Connecticut and realizes that maybe it's not as bad as she first thought.
I found this book to be very interesting and I think kids will agree. It was fascinating to read about her life off the grid in Alaska. There were some funny moments when Rigel was trying to fit in at school like when she brought a raccoon carcass to school with her! This was the story of a young girl adjusting to life after a divorce, discovering who she is and learning about the importance of family and friendship. I highly recommend this book!
January 11, 2021
Everything Rigel has known has been tossed up in the air. This is the story of which pieces she decides to hold onto, which to leave be, and which can be worked into a new life.
This is the perfect book for middle grade readers, middle schoolers, because even in the most boring of times (which are not the words to describe our current reality), there is a lot of change to contend with. As we navigate it, we're going to make some mistakes, be surprised by ourselves in good ways, try things we never thought we would, find safety nets in small moments with family, nature, friends, school, and within ourselves.
Watching Rigel manage the upheavals and challenges is relatable to those of us who've struggled with these experiences and feelings, and builds empathy in those of us who haven't quite been in all the shoes she's wearing.
It's a quiet, gentle, and kind read. Moving, unique, and relatable. I highly recommend it.
This is the perfect book for middle grade readers, middle schoolers, because even in the most boring of times (which are not the words to describe our current reality), there is a lot of change to contend with. As we navigate it, we're going to make some mistakes, be surprised by ourselves in good ways, try things we never thought we would, find safety nets in small moments with family, nature, friends, school, and within ourselves.
Watching Rigel manage the upheavals and challenges is relatable to those of us who've struggled with these experiences and feelings, and builds empathy in those of us who haven't quite been in all the shoes she's wearing.
It's a quiet, gentle, and kind read. Moving, unique, and relatable. I highly recommend it.
June 17, 2020
Great story about change, adjusting, and friendship. Rigel lives off the grid on a bush homestead in Alaska with her family. She has plenty of wildlife, forests, and independence. When her parents divorce, she, her mother, and her two siblings move to Connecticut to live with their grandmother. There Rigel has electricity, running water, and lots of cement and pavement. Before she left, she made a deal with her dad that he would let her return to Alaska in a year. At the beginning, while starting a new school and getting used to life in a suburb, that is all that keeps her going. As the year goes on, she realizes that maybe promises made might not come true and maybe making friends could be a good thing.
Rigel is a strong character and her feeling, fears, and anger ring true.
DRC from Netgalley and Amulet Books
Rigel is a strong character and her feeling, fears, and anger ring true.
DRC from Netgalley and Amulet Books
December 26, 2020
365 Days to Alaska is an engaging middle-grade debut with a strong, memorable female protagonist. This is one of those books that feels timeless, heartfelt, and inspiring. If you enjoy realistic fiction that feels true to life, with feel-good family dynamics, including sisterhood, sweet grandparent relations and healthy middle-school friendships, this is an excellent choice. Again, I can’t reiterate enough how useful it will be for kids whose parents are separating or divorcing as well as those who enjoy middle-grade books about animals. Highly recommend!
Read my full review and enter an INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY of this book on my blog. Giveaway closes January 20, 2021.
Many thanks to author Cathy Carr and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review and enter an INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY of this book on my blog. Giveaway closes January 20, 2021.
Many thanks to author Cathy Carr and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2021
The difficulty of entering the lower 48 after life in the Alaskan bush has 11-year old Rigel longing for her old life. When her parents split up and she must go with her mother to live with her grandmother in Connecticut, Rigel struggles to fit in. Her father makes her a promise that if she will stay just one year, she can return to Alaska to live with him. Themes of friendship, finding home, and moving forward after loss are underscored when Rigel connects with an injured crow. She grapples with the rules of nature and the importance of not interfering with wild animals. The author does an exquisite job drawing parallel lines between Rigel's questions of leaving wild animals to survive naturally and her own desire to return to the "wild" and stay away from the social structures in her new town. Lovely writing so well done!
January 25, 2021
I love, love, loved this book! Imagine all of the stress of starting middle school and add in the trauma of moving from your off the grid home in the wilds of Alaska to a small town in Connecticut. Sensitive and insightful, this story has themes that will resonate with every middle school student.
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May 18, 2021Wonderful story of change, and making a home through finding your people.
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