Very Far from Home - by Hope Larson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Verity "Very" Nelson's story continues as she teams up with her cousin and frenemy to save a community pool in this humorous and heartfelt standalone middle grade graphic novel from New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award-winning author Hope Larson.

Verity "Very" Nelson is poised to have the perfect summer.

That is, until her mom breaks the news--they're going to Wisconsin to help get her grandma's house ready for sale. Very's devastated to be missing an activist workshop and lake trip with her best friends, but her mom says it's important for them to spend time with Grandma, who just moved into assisted living care.

As she's settling in, Very happens upon a shuttered pool. Her cousin Maya explains that funding has dried up for the former gathering place, and now, the only place to swim is the exclusive, expensive country club.

Very knows a great cause when she sees it. She and her friends spring into action and rally the community around the public pool--but an unlikely source shares a ruinous tip that threatens its future forever. Can Very finish what she started, or will she leave the town worse off than when she arrived?

Review Quotes

An extremely encouraging and pleasing journey. Larson's skilled navigation of middle-grade family and social geography and the strains of class difference will engender instant recognition and investment. - Booklist

This spirited story thoughtfully balances themes of collective activism, intergenerational dynamics, and burgeoning self-awareness. Graphic novelist Larson shows impressive range as an illustrator. - Horn Book Review

Praise for Very Bad at Math

"You'll root for charming Very and her friends in this fun, relatable, masterfully written and illustrated tale of friendship and perseverance." - Terri Libenson, author of the New York Times bestselling Emmie & Friends series

"A smart and thoughtful story about how even the most perfect among us can have hidden challenges. Hope Larson deftly spins a joyful, snappy tale that readers of all abilities can relate to." - Jen Wang, New York Times bestselling creator of Stargazing

"A great coming-of-age story about friends working together to better themselves." - Kazu Kibuishi, author of Amulet

"Perfect for kids with big dreams and a lot on their shoulders." - Kayla Miller, bestselling author of the Click series

"Kids are going to love the perfectly imperfect Very Nelson!" - Gene Luen Yang, author of American Born Chinese and Dragon Hoops

"Graphic novelist Larson has aimed her latest story at middle-grade readers who...will make a lot of readers feel seen. A solid addition." - Booklist

"This is a worthy addition to the solid mix of graphic novels about middle-school girls triumphing over a significant but surmountable obstacle. Larson, as always, makes full use of the graphic novel format, allowing the illustrations to do as much work as the text, and changing up panel and - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"With captivating characters and a thoughtful exploration of dyscalculia, this book is a wonderful addition to any library and perfect for fans of Shannon Hale's and LeUyen Pham's Real Friends and Raina Telgemeier's Smile." - School Library Journal (starred review)