Hi everyone! It’s Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I am sharing my review of Todd Strasser’s Novelisation of the 1992 film Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was published in 1992 by Scholastic Incorporated and is 152 pages long.
The Plot
Kevin, the youngest McCallister sibling, finds himself accidentally separated from his family again when he boards the wrong flight during a hectic rush to the airport.
He lands in New York City, armed with his father’s credit card and a bucket of moxie.
Characters
Kevin McCallister:
Once more, Kevin is at the heart of the story, and, just like in Home Alone, he is the ultimate mix of cleverness and vulnerability. He’s also incredibly resourceful for an eight-year-old, turning everyday items into tools for self-defence.
Strasser’s version of Kevin is again the same wisecracking yet surprisingly tender-hearted kid we know and love from the film. On the page, we spend more time in Kevin’s head, exploring his inner monologue and allowing his motivations, fears, and triumphs to feel more fleshed out in ways the film doesn’t allow.
Harry and Marv:
The “Wet Bandits” (or perhaps the Sticky Bandits) are back and as hopelessly inept as ever. Strasser adds more internal monologue for these two, making their mischief funnier. He also makes a valiant effort to translate their over-the-top slapstick humour into words, and while it doesn’t hit as hard as the visual gags in the film, it still delivers some genuine chuckles.
The Pigeon Lady:
The Pigeon Lady is possibly one of the most memorable elements of Home Alone 2. She’s a misunderstood outcast who bonds with Kevin and reminds us that even the most unlikely friendships can spark joy. Her relationship with Kevin is heartwarming, and their shared moments are described with tenderness, emphasising themes of kindness and redemption.
Kate McCallister
Kate is Kevin’s devoted and caring mother, who’s once again wracked with guilt over losing him. It is that guilt, along with her determination to reunite with her son, that drives her through the narrative. Kate’s strong maternal instincts and her unwavering love for Kevin shine when she realises where he must be in New York after looking at a Christmas tree in a magazine (a difference from the film).
The McCallister Family
While in Home Alone 2, the other family members have smaller roles, their collective presence adds to the overall chaos and humour of the book. Their absence in New York allows Kevin to take centre stage, but there are still some funny moments.
Writing Style
Todd Strasser’s writing style is simple and approachable, perfect for younger readers, yet it carries a nostalgic charm that appeals to adults, too.
What I appreciated most was how he was able to strike a balance between keeping the narrative light and adding moments of introspection.
Kevin’s personality shines through in the story, and there’s an undercurrent of warmth throughout the book that gives it a distinctly “Christmassy” feel.
That said, there are moments where the pacing feels a bit rushed, especially during the iconic sequences (like the trap-setting montage in the abandoned house). However, that’s forgivable, given the constraints of sticking to the film’s core storyline.
I also want to point out that Strasser uses wonderfully vibrant descriptions to bring 90s New York City to life. I’ve seen the film, which is, obviously, a visual medium and shows you New York City, but the book offers a more vivid experience. You can almost feel the icy air of Central Park as you read.
Final Thoughts
Just as it felt with the novelisation of the first film, reading this novelisation was like sitting down with an old friend and finding you still have plenty to laugh and reminisce about years later, even though you tell one another the same old stories you’ve repeated a thousand times.
While it doesn’t stray far from the film, Todd Strasser’s book manages to enrich the story with added details, heartfelt moments, and a sense of nostalgia that’s perfect for fans of the original film. If you’re a 90s kid who grew up watching Kevin’s antics every Christmas, this is a delightful way to relive those memories.
I am giving this novelisation a 9/10.
Have you read Home Alone 2? What did you think?
Thank you, as ever, for stopping by to read my review.
Until next time,
George
© 2025 GLT
Categories: Book Reviews, Reading
GEORGE L THOMAS 
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