Review: THE ROAD TO PARIS, Module 5, Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Grimes, Nikki. THE ROAD TO PARIS. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN # 0399245375

Paris is a desperate young girl who is neglected and finally abandoned by her alcoholic mother. The only person she can count on is her brother, Malcolm. Eventually Malcolm is taken away from her as well. She ends up in foster care at the rural home of the Lincolns. Here she is shown a year of kindness. Paris learns to “keep God in her pocket” and she even forms some careful friendships. Through the patience and consistency of her foster family, Paris learns that not all people are awful. She grows from a scared child to a capable and thoughtful young woman. In the end she is given the opportunity to choose to return to her mother and brother. This story will show children that although there are harmful people in the world there are also worthwhile people, they may not always be obvious but they can be found. Each person must be judged as an individual. This story will show children that there is hope in any situation and that life can be good.