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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Take Me Back to Oklahoma by Cody Burke, Thomas and his family set off on a summer road trip, eager to explore new places beyond their home state. They visit a bustling city with towering buildings, but Thomas finds it loud and unwelcoming. At the beach, he enjoys the warm sand and ocean but struggles with sunburn and discomfort. In the mountains, he is awed by the scenery but grows exhausted from hiking. Despite the excitement of travel, Thomas realizes that each place lacks something he values. He begins to miss Oklahoma’s familiar sights, sounds, and rich history. Most of all, he longs for the resilience, kindness, and sense of community among its people. By the end of the journey, Thomas gains a newfound appreciation for his home, recognizing its unique and special qualities.
Take Me Back to Oklahoma is a beautifully written and visually stunning look into the love of home and belonging. I like that, initially, Thomas can't seem to get out of Oklahoma fast enough, eager to escape his seemingly dull home state. The full circle arc is a wonderful one, and Cody Burke does a great job of fleshing this out. The writing style perfectly captures a child’s perspective and is full of humor and wonder. This is a picture book and Camilla Crittenden's illustrations are spectacular, rendered in an absolutely gorgeous folk-art style with a warm autumn palette and bold punches of primary colors. The art breathes life into each page, from the towering skyscrapers to the sweeping Oklahoma plains. This heartfelt story reminds readers that, sometimes, the place we long to leave is the one we miss the most. Very highly recommended.
