The Road Home
Susanna Tamaro

Il Battello a Vapore
Year: 2024
Pages: 192
Before he even opens his eyes, Sam knows he isn’t in his own bed. His recent memories are a blur, except for one: Being left behind by his parents at a roadside stop at the beginning of summer vacation. But where is he now? And why does he feel so far from home? The only clue he has is a crumpled origami swan tucked into his pocket, a symbol of the answers he’s searching for.
Sam discovers he’s a member of the Brotherhood of White Swans, protectors of the world’s beauty against the sinister forces of the Black Swans—ruthless beings bent on destruction. With the guidance of Mattia, his mother’s former partner, and advice from Kisskiss, a wise, well-worn plush frog, Sam embarks on a journey to fortify his mind and body. Along the way, he faces daunting challenges that push him to his limits, but his growing courage fuels his mission.
As he fights for a world he’s just beginning to understand, Sam’s guiding star reveals hidden pieces of his past, lighting a path that just might lead him home. But where is home and who will be waiting for him when he finally arrives? We are about to discover that what seems like the end of a journey is just the beginning.
Perfect for readers aged 10 and up, this is a story about courage, mystery, and finding one’s place in a world of wonder.