47 pages 1 hour read

One Came Home

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

Amy Timberlake

One Came Home

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

Historical Fiction

Action & Adventure
Setting

Wisconsin • 1870s

Theme
Gender Identity

Coming of Age

Siblings
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

690L

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Super Short Summary

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake tells the story of Georgie Burkhardt, a thirteen-year-old girl in 1871 Wisconsin who refuses to believe her sister Agatha is dead after finding a decomposed body in Agatha's dress. Georgie embarks on a quest with Billy McCabe to uncover the truth, encountering dangers and uncovering secrets, ultimately discovering that Agatha is alive and pursuing education.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Adventurous

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

10,440 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Amy Timberlake's One Came Home has been praised for its captivating narrative and strong, vivid setting. Critics commend Timberlake's creation of a compelling protagonist and her beautiful prose. However, some feel the pacing can be uneven and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it's a well-regarded historical mystery with strong character development but minor pacing issues.

Who should read this

Who Should Read One Came Home?

Readers who enjoy historical mysteries, strong female protagonists, and coming-of-age stories will find One Came Home by Amy Timberlake captivating. Similar to fans of Holes by Louis Sachar or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, this book blends adventure, mystery, and rich historical detail.

4.1

10,440 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Georgie

A 13-year-old girl who initially defines herself through family expectations and her skills, but undergoes a journey that challenges her identity and worldview.

Georgie’s travel companion who is initially regarded with suspicion but becomes a respected figure influencing Georgie’s growth and self-perception.

Georgie’s older sister, who is remembered for her fearless and independent nature, serving as a catalyst for Georgie's personal journey and reflections.

The family patriarch who supports Georgie’s ambitions to run the family store but dismisses Agatha’s desire for independence, embodying societal expectations.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

Historical Fiction

Action & Adventure
Setting

Wisconsin • 1870s

Theme
Gender Identity

Coming of Age

Siblings
Publication Year

2013

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

690L

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