The House You Pass on the Way

by Jacqueline Woodson
The House You Pass on the Way cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Young Adult (YA)
Technical:
  • ID: 1860
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
  • Published: 2003-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The House You Pass on the Way,' fourteen-year-old Staggerlee, the daughter of a racially mixed marriage, finds herself spending a transformative summer with her cousin Trout. As she navigates this new environment, Staggerlee begins to question her own sexuality, using Trout as a confidante. This coming-of-age story delves into themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance, providing a poignant exploration of a young girl's journey to understanding herself. The narrative captures the complexities of adolescence and the profound impact of the people and experiences that shape our lives. The book is a compelling blend of personal introspection and relational dynamics, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of growing up. Through Staggerlee's eyes, readers witness the nuances of family relationships and the courage it takes to embrace one's true self. The story is both intimate and universal, resonating with anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world.

Reviews
serataino.com · 2015-02-24
heartwarming 4.50

The book is praised for its spare, lyrical language and well-rounded characters. It is described as a treasure that resonates deeply with readers.

This review highlights the book's beautiful, lyrical prose and the depth of its characters. The reviewer feels it's a standout piece of literature that captures the essence of self-discovery and emotional complexity. The story is short but impactful, leaving a lasting impression. The reviewer appreciates how Woodson's writing evokes strong emotions and creates a rich, atmospheric setting that stays with the reader long after finishing the book.

Quick quotes

    The House You Pass on the Way is a treasure of a book written in spare, lyrical language and features remarkably well-rounded characters.

    Woodson somehow managed to evoke a lot of feeling within a very small space.

    It's an atmospheric novel, as well as an emotional one.

lesbrary.com · Danika · 2015-02-24
touching 4.50

The novel is atmospheric and emotional, with Woodson's writing evoking strong feelings. It is a poignant tale of self-discovery.

Danika highlights the atmospheric and emotional qualities of the novel, praising Woodson's ability to evoke strong feelings within a short space. She finds the story to be a poignant tale of self-discovery, particularly resonating with themes of identity and personal growth. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and the way the story captures the complexities of teenage experiences. The brevity of the book is noted as a strength, allowing the emotional impact to be more concentrated and powerful.

Quick quotes

    It's an atmospheric novel, as well as an emotional one.

    Woodson somehow managed to evoke a lot of feeling within a very small space.

    It's a poignant tale of self-discovery.

dickenslibrary.blogspot.com · 2014-10-10
uplifting 4.00

The book is satisfying on many levels and leaves readers with a sense of hope. Woodson's writing is highly praised for its emotional depth.

The reviewer finds this book deeply satisfying, noting that it leaves readers with a sense of hope and resolution. They highlight Woodson's ability to write with emotional depth and create characters that feel real and relatable. The story's exploration of self-discovery and personal growth is particularly appreciated. The reviewer also mentions that the book's brevity does not diminish its impact, as it packs a powerful emotional punch in a small space.

Quick quotes

    Readers are left with the knowledge that no matter what happens, these girls are going to be ok.

    This book is satisfying on so many levels.

    Woodson can write.

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