Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango (2023) is a middle grade novel in verse that explores the emotional terrain of 11-year-old Laura navigating life in foster care. After being removed from her home due to her parents’ drug addiction, Laura struggles with the concept of home and belonging as she lives with her aunt Silvia. The arrival of a lost puppy begins to change her perspective, offering a pathway to healing. Laura names the puppy Sparrow and finds animal companionship with him as she faces challenges like coping with change, identity, friendship, and missing her parents. Something Like Home won the Pura Belpré Honor.

This study guide refers to the 2023 Kindle e-book edition published by Random House Children’s Books.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide contain descriptions of addiction, anti-LGBTQ+ bias, chronic disease, and domestic abuse (neglect).

Plot Summary

Eleven-year-old Laura Rodriguez Colon is sent to live with Titi (Aunt) Silvia, whom she barely knows. Laura believes this new situation is all “temporary,” so she resents that Janet, her case worker from social services who is driving her to Silvia’s house, refuses to answer questions about Laura’s parents or how long she’ll stay with Silvia. Laura blames herself for her family’s separation because she called 911 when they overdosed on painkillers and was subsequently placed in foster care.

Silvia is a wealthy doctor with many strict house rules. She tries to bond with Laura, though they are like “strangers.” Silvia speaks Spanish to honor their Puerto Rican roots, but Laura barely speaks it. Laura’s Mom used to say that Silvia never helped them when they needed money or support.

Laura starts school, and a boy named Benson wants to befriend her. He’s kind, but Laura avoids him, thinking he’s too friendly and worrying she can’t have friends with her messy life. Laura misses Mom and Dad, so she types them many letters while they are in rehab. In every letter, she shares her deepest thoughts and feelings, such as apologizing for getting them in trouble and hoping they recover soon.

On a walk, Laura finds an abandoned puppy that appears to be sick or dying. Panicked, Laura carries the puppy to her aunt’s house. When Silvia comes home, she’s shocked, but Laura sobs about finding her parents unresponsive, relating the sick puppy to them. A vet saves the puppy and Laura adopts the dog, naming him Sparrow. She feels less lonely with Sparrow, who was abandoned like her. Sparrow gives her comfort and unconditional love. Laura quickly grows to love the puppy.

Janet visits Laura at Silvia’s home and explains that Laura’s parents are progressing at rehab, but she still can’t see them, only write letters. On the rehab’s website, Laura sees pictures of therapy dogs. She plans to get Sparrow certified as a therapy dog to visit her parents in rehab. While Laura researches therapy dogs and dog training videos, Benson sees her and he gives her more resources. They both love dogs.

Silvia wants to take Laura to Puerto Rico in a few months for the holidays. Mom never talks about her homeland. Silvia explains they have family “trauma” because her grandparents didn’t approve of Mom dating girls. Laura feels upset by this and doesn’t want to visit Puerto Rico.

When Benson isn’t at school, Laura finds out he’s in the hospital, where Silvia works. She sneaks out and visits Benson, who is happy to see her. Benson explains that he has sickle cell disease. Laura opens up to him about her home life and parents’ addiction. Benson is a great listener; he’s accepting and supportive.

Looking to get Sparrow practice as a therapy dog, Laura she sneaks the dog into the hospital. This makes Benson joyful, but upsets Silvia, who is furious that Laura went to the hospital without permission and risked Silvia’s job. Silvia grounds Laura, but later apologizes for overreacting. When Laura explains the therapy dog plan, Silvia agrees to assist with Sparrow’s training. Laura and Benson train Sparrow for the therapy dog test. He must complete tasks like sitting, staying, playing with other dogs, being kind to strangers, etc. Benson’s dog, Zelda, and Sparrow become friends.

Laura continues to write letters to her parents, hoping someday they will respond. During a second home visit from social services, a woman named Brenda is Laura’s advocate. Brenda suggests Laura and Silvia go to family therapy with a doctor who has a therapy dog. Laura thinks the idea is pointless and when Brenda mentions a Family Partnership Meeting, Laura is upset that she isn’t included in matters about her own life. Brenda advocates for Laura to attend the meeting.

At the meeting, it’s revealed that Laura’s parents left rehab that morning, so she will stay with Silvia longer. Laura leaves the room, crying and upset that Mom and Dad would give up. Brenda comforts her.

One night, after Silvia insists they’re going to family therapy, Laura kicks her backpack and yells at Sparrow, who hides from her. Later, she wakes to find Sparrow beside her and apologizes to him. Sparrow licks her tears away, reminding her that people make mistakes but can still be loved and forgiven.

When Mom comes to Laura’s school lying that she is Silvia, Laura cries and calls her Mom. The school won’t let her go with Mom and although Mom coaxes Laura to leave anyway, she doesn’t want Mom to get in more trouble, so she hesitates and Mom leaves alone. Laura cries about the injustice. That night, Silvia explains if Mom took Laura from school, it would have been considered “kidnapping.” Laura thinks that term is unfair.

During family therapy, Dr. T. helps Laura and Silvia build a healthy relationship. Dr. T. and his therapy dog help Laura vocalize her feelings, including her belief that Silvia doesn’t care about her. Silvia explains that she tried to help Laura when she was little and endured neglect from her parents, but it didn’t work. Silvia apologizes for the past, assuring Laura that she loves her and won’t ever leave her. Laura is touched.

On a kayaking trip, Laura bonds with Silvia, and her aunt’s stories about Puerto Rico make her consider visiting. Later, Sparrow passes his therapy dog exam, and Laura, Silvia, and Benson are happy and proud.

As the novel closes, Laura’s parents return to rehab, expressing their commitment to recovery and love for her. Though Laura’s life has changed, she finds peace. Her parents are improving, Sparrow is the best companion, and she’s starting to love Titi Silvia as family.