A Long Way from Chicago

infobox Book |
name = A Long Way from Chicago
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption =
author = Richard Peck
illustrator =
cover_artist =
country = United States
language = English
series =
genre = Children's novel
publisher = Dial Press
pub_date = September 1, 1998
english_pub_date =
media_type = Print (Hardback & Paperback)
pages = 192 pp
isbn = ISBN 0-8037-2290-7
preceded_by =
followed_by = A Year Down Yonder

"A Long Way from Chicago" is a children's "novel in stories" by Richard Peck. It was awarded the Newbery Honor distinction in 1999.

Peck's sequel to this book, "A Year Down Yonder", won the Newbery Medal for children's literature in 2001.

Plot summary

"A Long Way from Chicago" follows the story of the protagonist city slicker Joe or Joey and his sister Mary Alice, who are sent from their home in Chicago to go live in the country with their eccentric Grandma Dowdel during the Great Depression. Though they are originally upset at the prospect of spending their time in the country, they are caught up in various adventures their Grandmother causes. The story takes place over several summers and as time passes, the children grow to have more and more respect for their grandma, who is always able to help others, doesn't get bossed around, and teaches them valuable lessons in loyalty, friendship, thrift, and young love. At the end of the book, Joey leaves to go serve in the army. He sends a telegram to Grandma, telling her that the train he's traveling on will pass by her town. As the train passes through and he looks out the window, he watches her wave to him from her house.

Characters

*Joseph/Joe/Joey
*Mary Alice
*Grandma Dowdel
*Vandalia Eubanks
*Mrs. Weidenbach
*Effie Wilcox
*L.J. Weidenbach
*Ernie Cowgills
*Shotgun Cheatum
*Mrs. Cripe
*Junior Stubbs