The Wanderer by Sharon Creech

Welcome to the Open Sea: A Fun Dive into The Wanderer by Sharon Creech
“Finding Family and Adventure Across the Waves”

What’s the deal with the ocean? Why does it always pull us in with its mysteries, dangers, and endless horizons? Enter The Wanderer, Sharon Creech’s beautifully crafted novel that takes readers on a transformative journey across the Atlantic, where the waves aren’t the only things that run deep.

Let’s break it down!

The Basics

Book Title: The Wanderer
Author: Sharon Creech
Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Family Drama
Trigger Warnings: Themes of grief, loss, and family tension.
Adult Content: None. This is a heartfelt story suitable for middle-grade readers and beyond.

What’s It About?

Picture this: Thirteen-year-old Sophie is a dreamer with a love for the sea. She joins her uncles and cousins aboard The Wanderer, a sailboat bound for England to visit her grandfather, Bompie. Along the way, she not only faces the challenges of the open ocean—storms, accidents, and cramped quarters—but also uncovers long-buried family secrets and confronts her own complicated past.

Narrated through Sophie’s journal entries and those of her cousin Cody, the book weaves two perspectives to give readers a multifaceted view of the journey. As Sophie grows closer to her family and herself, we learn that the real adventure lies in navigating emotions and relationships as much as the unpredictable seas.

The Good Stuff

1. Sophie Is Brave and Relatable
   Sophie is one of those characters you root for from the start. Her love for adventure, combined with her vulnerability and hidden pain, makes her feel incredibly real. Her resilience will inspire readers of all ages.

2. A Unique Narrative Style
   The alternating journal entries from Sophie and Cody create a dynamic storytelling format. Each character brings their own perspective and personality to the voyage, enriching the narrative with humor, tension, and insight.

3. Evocative Descriptions of the Sea
   Creech’s writing shines when describing the ocean. From the calm, shimmering waters to the terrifying chaos of a storm, you’ll feel like you’re right there on The Wanderer, experiencing the highs and lows of life at sea.

4. Themes of Family and Healing
   At its core, The Wanderer is about family—both the joy and the pain of it. The story gently explores grief, identity, and the way relationships can heal even the deepest wounds.

The Meh Stuff

If you’re not a fan of introspection or slower-paced character-driven stories, parts of the book might feel a bit meandering. The dual perspectives, while enriching, can occasionally break the flow of the narrative for readers who prefer a single point of view.

What the Internet Thinks

Readers and critics have praised The Wanderer for its lyrical prose and heartfelt storytelling. It’s often highlighted as a middle-grade novel with depth, offering emotional resonance for adults as well as younger readers. Some readers noted that the ending leaves a few threads unresolved, but many appreciated its subtlety and realism.

Final Verdict

If you love stories about self-discovery, family, and the call of the sea, The Wanderer is a must-read. Sharon Creech’s poetic style and rich characters will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Beware—you might find yourself daydreaming about setting sail on your own adventure (or at least heading to the nearest beach). Grab a copy and prepare for a journey as vast and unpredictable as the ocean itself.

May your sails be full and your course steady!