Beverly, Right Here

In 1979, fourteen-year-old Beverly Tapinski decides to leave her dysfunctional home and the recent loss of her beloved dog, Buddy, behind. She hitches a ride to a small seaside town where she aims to start anew, determined to avoid forming attachments. Despite her resolve, Beverly finds herself entangled in the lives of the town's residents: Iola, a lonely elderly woman who offers her a place to stay; Elmer, a teenage clerk with artistic aspirations; and Freddie, a young waitress with her own dreams and disappointments. Through these relationships, Beverly confronts her past and begins to understand the importance of connection, ultimately discovering her own sense of belonging.​

Recommendation: This poignant novel is recommended for readers aged 10–14 who appreciate character-driven stories exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the significance of human connections. Kate DiCamillo's nuanced portrayal of Beverly's journey offers a heartfelt exploration of adolescence and personal growth.​

Ideal for:

• Middle-grade readers interested in realistic fiction​
• Fans of coming-of-age narratives​
• Readers seeking stories about personal growth and community​

Similar Reads:

• Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo​
• Louisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo
• Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech​

Stylistic Features:

• Third-person narrative with a focus on Beverly's internal experiences​
• Rich, descriptive language that captures the nuances of small-town life​
• Emphasis on character development and emotional depth​

Content Warnings: The novel addresses themes of parental neglect, loss of a pet, and emotional hardship, which are handled sensitively but may require consideration for younger or more sensitive readers.​

Note: Beverly, Right Here is the third and final installment in Kate DiCamillo's Three Rancheros series, following Raymie Nightingale and Louisiana's Way Home. While it can be read as a standalone novel, familiarity with the previous books may enhance the reader's understanding of Beverly's character and background