Louisiana's Way Home

Walker Books reveals highly anticipated companion title to Raymie Nightingale: Louisiana's Way Home

The new book by beloved New York Times bestseller, Kate DiCamillo.

Much loved, former US children's laureate and two-time Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo's seventh novel, Raymie Nightingale, was published in 2016 to overwhelming critical acclaim, debuting as a #1 New York Times bestseller. The deeply moving book about a summer of discovery and friendship went on to be a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

While fans often ask DiCamillo to write more about their favourite characters, she has never felt compelled to revisit the world of a previous novel " until now. This October, DiCamillo will return to Raymie's world to unravel the story of Louisiana Elefante, friend and beloved ranchero. Publisher Walker Books is pleased to announce plans for a global release of DiCamillo's eighth middle-grade novel, Louisiana's Way Home, in October 2018.

In its 2016 review of Raymie Nightingale, the New York Times noted that Louisiana 'is one of DiCamillo's most singular and arresting creations" and that she "delights on every page." The companion novel was acquired by Walker Books president and publisher Karen Lotz in a major deal for world rights from Holly McGhee at Pippin Properties, with senior editor Andrea Tompa as editor. 

About Louisiana's Way Home author Kate DiCamillo says: "I was getting ready to start on a project, going through my notebooks and all the phrases and images that I had written down that I thought might turn into a story. This phrase, 'I am going to write it all down so that you will know what happened to me,' showed up again and again. And next to it, I had written 'Louisiana?' And it was Louisiana. It was her voice. While I had no intention of writing another novel about those rancheros, Louisiana's voice was so strong and insistent, and her need to tell her story was so profound, that I gave in. And boy, am I ever glad that I did. I loved spending time with her again."

About Louisiana's Way Home

When Louisiana Elefante's granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn't overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from her best friends, Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana's life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of a small Georgia town " including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister, and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder " she starts to worry that she is destined only for good-byes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana and Granny's heads. But that is a story for another time.)

Walker Books Australia has been bringing the best of children's publishing to Australia and New Zealand for over 20 years. The company is dedicated to publishing books of unwavering quality for children and young adults to read and treasure. Walker Books Australia is also passionate about the Australian Children's book industry and is a haven for the most highly talented authors and illustrators, both emerging and award-winning. Walker Books Australia is proud to be the home of Black Dog Books, an award-winning imprint with a reputation for publishing some of Australia's finest writers including Carole Wilkinson, Sue Lawson and Suzy Zail.