The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise: A Heartfelt Adventure About Love, Loss, and the Open Road

Introduction: Why Coyote Sunrise Stays With You Long After the Last Page

There's something magical about a story that makes you laugh, cry, and hug the book when you're done. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart is one of those rare gems—a middle-grade novel that resonates with readers of all ages through its warmth, wit, and wisdom.

At its core, it's the story of twelve-year-old Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, who've turned a school bus into a home on wheels after a heartbreaking loss. But when Coyote learns a piece of her past is about to disappear, she secretly plots a 3,600-mile journey back to where it all began. Along the way, she picks up a ragtag crew of travelers, each with their scars and stories, proving that family isn't always about blood—it's about who shows up for you.

Whether you're a parent looking for a book to share with your child, a teacher searching for a classroom read that sparks big conversations, or just someone who loves a great road trip story, Coyote Sunrise delivers. Let's dive into what makes this book so special.

The Story: A Road Trip Packed With Heart

Life on the Move: Home Is Where the Bus Is

Coyote and Rodeo don't live in a house. They live in a funky, converted school bus named Yager, roaming the country with no fixed address. It's a life of freedom but also a way to outrun their grief after a tragedy tore their family apart.

The bus isn't just a vehicle—it's a rolling haven filled with memories, makeshift meals, and the kind of love that doesn't need four walls.

Gemeinhart's vivid writing makes you feel the wind through the bus windows and the thrill of the open road.

The Secret Mission: A Race Against Time

When Coyote learns the park where she buried a memory box years ago is being demolished, she has to get back to Washington State—but Rodeo refuses to go near their old hometown. So she hatches a plan: trick him into driving cross-country, one detour at a time.

What follows is a journey full of roadside diners, unexpected friendships, and the kind of adventures that change you.

It's a story about facing the past, even when it hurts—and discovering that healing isn't a solo trip.

Meet the Characters: A Found Family You'll Root For

Coyote: The Clever, Big-Hearted Heroine

Coyote isn't your average twelve-year-old. She's quick-witted, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years, but she's also carrying a grief she doesn't always know how to name. Her voice leaps off the page—funny, honest, and so real you'll forget she's fictional.

Rodeo: The Dad Who's Running From Pain

Rodeo loves his daughter deeply, but he's stuck in his own grief. He's the kind of dad who names the bus's speed bumps and makes up silly songs, but he's also terrified of looking back. Watching him slowly open up is one of the book's most beautiful arcs.

The Travelers Who Steal Your Heart

Along the way, Coyote and Rodeo pick up:

• Salvador, a quiet boy escaping a dangerous home.
• Val, a lesbian teen who's been kicked out and is searching for safety.
• Lester, an elderly man with a hidden past and a lot of stories.

Each character brings depth, humor, and heart to the journey, showing how strangers can become the family you need.

Themes That Stick With You

1. Grief Isn't a Straight Road

The book doesn't sugarcoat loss—it shows grief as messy, unpredictable, and different for everyone. Coyote and Rodeo cope in opposite ways, and their journey is about finding a way to heal together.

2. Family Is What You Make It

From Salvador to Val, the travelers on Yager prove that family isn't just about DNA. It's about who stands by you, listens to you, and helps carry your burdens.

3. Home Isn't Just a Place

Is home a bus? A memory box? The people you love? Coyote's story asks big questions about belonging—and leaves room for readers to find their own answers.

Why Teachers, Parents, and Kids Love This Book

Awards & Praise:

Parents' Choice Gold Medal Winner – "A story that lingers in the heart."
ILA Teachers' Choice Selection – "Perfect for sparking discussions on empathy and resilience."
Booklist raved: "Wise, thoughtful, and deeply moving."

For Classrooms & Book Clubs:

• Tackles tough topics (grief, identity, abuse) with sensitivity.
• Great for SEL (social-emotional learning) lessons.

For Young Readers:

• Adventure! Humor! A protagonist who feels like a friend.
• Validates big emotions and shows it's okay to ask for help.

Ready to Hit the Road With Coyote?

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise isn't just a book—it's an experience. It's the kind of story that stays with you, the kind you pass to a friend and say, "You have to read this."

Where to Find It:

• Local bookstores (support indie shops!)
• Libraries (ask your librarian—they'll love recommending it)
• Online (ebook, audiobook, or paperback)

For Further Reading:

• Other middle-grade books about grief and hope
• How to talk to kids about loss
• Stories with LGBTQ+ representation for young readers