Coyote (12) travels with Rodeo (her father, but don’t call him that) in a refitted old school bus. They go where any whim takes them and only think of the future. One day when Coyote talks to her grandma, she learns the park in their old neighborhood is going to be leveled to become housing. Now Coyote must get home, somewhere Rodeo will not go, so she will trick him into it. She must retrieve the memory box she, her sisters and her mom buried in the park five years ago. They are in Florida and need to get to Washington state in four days, without Rodeo realizing where they are going.
Along the way they give some other travelers a lift and an interesting fellowship develops. First, she finds a kitten who is unusually quiet and seemingly knowing about what humans need, a bit like Coyote herself. She invites Lester to ride with them to Montana to reunite with his former girl. Salvador and his mom help Coyote out of a tough spot right when their car dies, so they join the group. A couple of others join for a spell, including a considerate goat named Gladys. Heartfelt and full of fun too, this book is able to move from silly to touching and bring a tear to your eye. It is aimed at upper elementary to early middle school readers, or for anyone who enjoys a good road trip book about family.
Other books by the author include Good Dog, Scar Island and The Honest Truth.
Gemeinhart, Dan. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. Henry Holt and Co., 2019.
