Walk Me Home by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Sixteen year old Carly and her younger sister Jen who is twelve, set off on a long walk from New Mexico  following the sudden death of their mother. Carly is scared of child services getting involved and that they will end up getting separated and put into different foster homes, so with seemingly no one else but their Mum's ex boyfriend Teddy to turn to Carly takes charge and decides they should set off on their long journey from New Mexico to get to him in California, she isn't sure exactly where he now lives but does have his mobile number.

Their journey is difficult, they have no money and barely any possessions with them and don't like stealing but sometimes needs must, Carly has a book that she notes down all the details of food, drink etc that they take so that when they're able to they can send the money back to pay for these items.
There are five different parts to the book, some set in the now and some going back to the girls past and gradually more and more details of their lives are revealed.
I've never read anything by this author before so I wasn't sure what to expect but I enjoyed this book a lot. I felt so sorry for the girls and found their story heartbreaking, but equally the kindness of some of the strangers they meet is uplifting, it's a thought provoking read.

Rating: 4 out of 5.