“Sometimes trusting someone is about the scariest thing you can do. But you know what? It’s a lot less scary than being all alone.” “Maybe we’re all a little broken. Maybe we’re all a little fragile. Maybe that’s why we need each other so much.”–Dan Gemeinhart, The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
I dare you not to like this book. Dan Gemeinhart has crafted an amazing story that will make you laugh and cry as you follow Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, on their adventures. Coyote and Rodeo have been traveling the country for five years in the bus they’ve transitioned to a type of RV. It has also been five years since Coyote’s mom and two sisters were killed in a car accident. When Coyote hears that a park in her hometown is going to be demolished, she must get there before the demolition happens. She, along with her mom and sisters buried a memory treasure box there and she has to get it back. The only problem is that she and Rodeo are on the other side of the country. She can’t tell her dad the real reason she wants to go, so she tells him she has a hankering for a sandwich they can only get in Montana. That’s enough for Rodeo–it is a DEAD (drop everything and drive) reason. Along the way they pick up some fellow travelers, form new friendships, and have a harrowing bus ride. As they travel thousands of miles, Coyote learns that while it is difficult to go home, it easier with friends by her side.
I really enjoyed this book and had just finished it when our family decided to take a trip to Glacier National Park. Our drive took us through the Montana town Coyote insisted they drive, so of course we had to stop! It was a fun connection to the book and while the sandwich was fine, I probably wouldn’t drive across the country to eat one! If you want more Coyote Sunrise, you are in luck as there is a sequel–Coyote Lost and Found
Content Advisory: Car accident, death, grief