Half a World Away

De: Cynthia Kadohata

Narrado por: Kirby Heyborne

A kid who considers himself an epic fail discovers the transformative power of love when he deals with adoption in this novel from Cynthia Kadohata, winner of the Newbery Medal (Kira-Kira) and the National Book Award (The Thing About Luck).

Eleven-year-old Jaden is adopted, and he knows he’s an “epic fail.” That’s why his family is traveling to Kazakhstan to adopt a new baby—to replace him, he’s sure. And he gets it. He is incapable of stopping his stealing, hoarding, lighting fires, aggressive running, and obsession with electricity. He knows his parents love him, but he feels...nothing.

When they get to Kazakhstan, it turns out the infant they’ve traveled for has already been adopted, and literally within minutes are faced with having to choose from six other babies. While his parents agonize, Jaden is more interested in the toddlers. One, a little guy named Dimash, spies Jaden and barrels over to him every time he sees him. Jaden finds himself increasingly intrigued by and worried about Dimash. Already three years old and barely able to speak, Dimash will soon age out of the orphanage, and then his life will be as hopeless as Jaden feels now. For the first time in his life, Jaden actually feels something that isn’t pure blinding fury, and there’s no way to control it, or its power.

From camels rooting through garbage like raccoons, to eagles being trained like hunting dogs, to streets that are more pothole than pavement, the vivid depictions in Half a World Away create “an inspiring story that celebrates hope and second chances” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

Adoption

International adoption. Brothers. Process. Emotional. Liked Sam’s personality. Scared process and not sure I would be able to go thru it.

So good

The book was so heartfelt so meaningful in life I️ was crying half the book now I️ know that Jayden loves his new brothers and Steve and Penny I️ love this book so much it is my new favorite!

Interesting and enjoyable

I enjoyed this story. I learned a little about adoption along the way. I liked the main character a lot.

Half a world away

What I did not like about it was it was kind of boring and the out come was not very exciting! It was also depressing in the beginning. I would not recommend this book to anyone.