The Exact Location of Home - Hardcover

"Authentic . . . . Middle school worries and social issues skillfully woven into a moving, hopeful, STEM-related tale." - starred review, Kirkus Reviews

"Vivid characters and situations, along with clear, simple writing and plotting, make this an accessible and enlightening read . . . A gentle but truthful look at poverty and homelessness." - starred review, School Library Journal

"Messner delivers a sensitive and realistic portrayal of financial stress, the realities of living in a shelter, and how both take a toll. Zig's crush on Gianna and the mystery surrounding Zig's father will keep readers hooked, but it's his bonds with his mother and friends that will stay with them." - Publishers Weekly

"Messner gently overturns some stereotypes about homeless shelters and their residents." - Booklist

"Laced with humor and heart . . . an insightful and affecting read." - Booklist on THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z

"An engaging saga." - Kirkus Reviews on THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z

"Plot twists keep readers engaged, and Messner's warm and humorous tone will capture even reluctant readers." - School Library Journal on THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z

"An empathetic, beautiful, magical, fiercely necessary book that stares unflinchingly at the very real challenges contemporary kids face and gently assures them they are not alone. Kate Messner gives her readers a story to cherish." - Anne Ursu, author of BREADCRUMBS on THE SEVENTH WISH

"Hopeful, empathetic, and unusually enlightening." - starred review, Kirkus Reviews on THE SEVENTH WISH

"It's no surprise that Kate Messner's magic pen could write a charming, moving, funny, and ultimately very surprising story about a magic pencil!" - Wendy Mass, New York Times bestselling author of 11 BIRTHDAYS on ALL THE ANSWERS

Kirby "Zig" Zigonski lives for the world of simple circuits, light bulbs, buzzers, and motors. Electronics are, after all, much more predictable than most people--especially his father, who he hasn't seen in over a year. When his dad's latest visit is canceled with no explanation and his mom seems to be hiding something, Zig turns to his best friend Gianna and a new gizmo--a garage sale GPS unit--for help. Convinced that his dad is leaving clues around town to explain his absence, Zig sets out to find him. Following one clue after another, logging mile after mile, Zig soon discovers that people aren't always what they seem . . . and sometimes, there's more than one set of coordinates for home.

An important story of love and hope that will capture readers' hearts, The Exact Location of Home is another must read from beloved author Kate Messner.