The House You Pass on the Way

by Jacqueline Woodson
The House You Pass on the Way cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Young Adult (YA)
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Technical
  • ID: 1860
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
  • Published: 2003-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The House You Pass on the Way,' fourteen-year-old Staggerlee, the daughter of a racially mixed marriage, finds herself spending a pivotal summer with her cousin Trout. As she navigates this new environment, Staggerlee begins to question her own identity and sexuality, catching glimpses of a future she never imagined. The novel delves into themes of self-discovery and the complexities of family dynamics, offering a poignant coming-of-age story. /n/nThe author's nuanced exploration of Staggerlee's journey is both heartfelt and introspective, making it a compelling read for those interested in personal growth and the intricacies of adolescent experiences. The setting and characters are vividly portrayed, adding depth to the narrative and making the story resonate with readers.

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.

Lesbrary · Ashley · 2014-10-10
sweet 4.00

The novel is described as short and sweet, masterfully conjuring a vivid picture of rural life. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and the vivid imagery.

Ashley finds this novel to be a perfect example of a short and sweet book that packs a lot of emotional depth. They praise Woodson's ability to create a vivid picture of rural life, making the setting and characters feel real and relatable. The reviewer appreciates how Woodson manages to evoke a lot of feeling within a small space, making it a memorable and impactful read. The themes of identity and family are explored with sensitivity, making it a compelling story.

Quick quotes

    The House You Pass on the Way is truly the epitome of a short and sweet book.

    Jacqueline Woodson masterfully conjures a vivid picture of life in rural Georgia.

    It's a beautiful novel that explores themes of identity, family, and the complexities of growing up.

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