RV There Yet? by Suzanne Nelson - ADVISABLE

RV There Yet? by Suzanne Nelson, 338 pages. Knopf (Random House), 2026. $18

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The Merrivale and Buckfort kids are on a surprise "familymoon" when the Merrivale mom and the Buckfort dad marry, and their families become blended. The parents borrow a dodgy RV, load five brand-new siblings into it, and head to Yellowstone, along with a dog and an escaped pet snake. The two girls and three boys range in age from 8-12, and face an array of adventures as they try to come together as a family.

I thought this book would be superficial and trite, but it turned out to be a really heartwarming ride, loosely based on the author's blended family Yellowstone trip. The family drama rang true and anyone with siblings will identify with at least one character. The book addresses fallout from divorce and blending families in a realistic yet upbeat way. Families can be annoying, fun, and messy, and you will get all of it here in this insightful read.

The characters are drawn white on the cover.

Michelle in the Middle 

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest by Chris Grabenstein - ADVISABLE

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest by Chris Grabenstein, 266 pages. Random House, 2025. $18

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

12yo Benji and 18yo Ethan are brothers that don't get along very well. Ethan is getting ready to leave for college and loves sports, while Benji loves video games and puzzles. The boys are forced on a road trip by their parents. On their way to the Grand Canyon, they find themselves in a massive treasure hunt put on by Ms. Pennypickle, an eccentric puzzle master. They have to beat out six other teams to get the prize, which they can only achieve by working together.

Delightful read, especially for fans of "Mr. Lemoncello's Library." This is a witty and fun road trip puzzle that readers will want to solve along with the Broderick brothers. I read the book in one sitting because it was so fun. Great characters and plot. Grab a soda and the audio book and hit Route 66!

The Broderick brothers are white.

Michelle in the Middle 

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny by Matthew Swanson, illustrated by Robbi Behr - ADVISABLE

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny by Matthew Swanson, illustrated by Robbi Behr, 314 pages. Knopf (Random House), 2025. $14 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G;  Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Ben Yokoyama is NOT moving to California, especially since it means giving up his best friend, Janet. Ben is devastated when Janet is not there to say goodbye to him, but it turns out she has stowed away in the family camper. The cross-country drive is filled with Janet and Ben scheming to stay together, as they try to figure out ways to make a fortune before they get to California and Janet will have to fly home. 

This is the last book in this series. Though the cover and the format look fairly juvenile, the authors address complicated emotions and situations, but in a gentle and understanding manner. Ben's issues with moving, losing his friend, money issues, and his grandmother's health, and family stress are universal problems. This is a great way to wrap up the series, and fans will not be disappointed, as Ben rises to his challenges. Race or culture is not specified, but the last name suggests Ben may be of Asian descent. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Next Stop by Debbie Fong - ADVISABLE

Next Stop by Debbie Fong, 268 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024. $22 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: PG (death, mental breakdown) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Pia is on a desert bus tour with a bus full of interesting characters but no family. Pia is drawn to the tour because of a chance to see a mystical underground lake that is supposed to grant impossible wishes. Pia has a deep secret she's been hiding from her new friends on the bus and is searching for healing. 

 The bus ride is an adventure in quirkiness. Think of all the weird things one could possibly see on a road trip, and they're probably included. Pia's secret is revealed in flashbacks and by the end your heart will break for her. The text type is small but readable. The issues of grieving and loss are identifiable and touching. Pia is most likely Taiwanese. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Places We've Never Been by Kasie West - ADVISABLE

Places We've Never Been by Kasie West, 336  pages. Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House), 2022. $19

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (catcalls, kissing, family with a cancer diagnosis); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Norah is a 17yo high school junior Caucasian artist who dreams of being a videogame designer and has an interview at her dream college in Seattle. Before that can happen, she has to survive a cross-country RV trip with her mom & brother, and her childhood best friend’s family. But both Norah and Skyler don’t click like they used to and it seems like everyone in Norah’s life is keeping secrets.

Light and fluffy, like the best cotton candy. It was a pretty quick read and just a hint of emotional depth as Norah navigates her changing relationships. I was slightly annoyed by how long it took to find out the big reveal that was hinted at throughout the story, but I could see how it would drive some readers to devour the story. This would be a nice, clean, sweet romcom to add to your classroom library, but don’t expect more depth than there is.

Reviewer: Kiera Beddes, #bookswithbeddes

Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart - ADVISABLE

Coyote Lost and Found (Coyote Sunrise #2) by Dan Gemeinhart, 288 pages. Henry Holt & Company (Macmillan), March 2024. $18 

Language: PG (13 swears 0 'f'): Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, injuries, dangerous behavior) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Coyote Sunrise found a box of ashes she's pretty sure are her mother, and she's a bit confused and maybe a little angry that her dad, Rodeo, didn't tell her it was in the bus with them all along. Turns out her mother left a message in a poetry book about what to do if she passes away, and Coyote's dad is still so grief-stricken that he hasn't looked at those pages. But, when Coyote tries to find the book herself, she vaguely remembers leaving it at a thrift or used book store somewhere during their travels the year before. She just can't tell Rodeo the book is gone, but she can convince him to go on another crazy adventure on the bus. 

Coyote makes friends so easily on the road, I hate that she's the "weird kid" at school and feels so alone. Gemeinhart tells a story that is both poignant and humorous. I was so happy to once again be along for the ride. Coyote is strong independent and driven - and the lessons she learns about grief, friendship, and resiliency are timeless. I wonder if I love it so much because I can relate to the characters and experiences, is it my age or will the younger set feel the same? 

Coyote and Rodeo are white, Salvador is Hispanic, Wally is Asian. 

Lisa Librarian 

Rise To The Sun by Leah Johnson - OPTIONAL

Rise To The Sun by Leah Johnson, 336 pages. Scholastic Press 2021. $16 

Language: R (20 + swears, 2 “F”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG (gun shots into a crowd) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Olivia and Imani are the best of friends. Olivia is going to be a senior this year. Imani just graduated and is preparing for college. Olivia talks Imani into going on a best friend “road trip” a couple of weeks before they both go back to school. Olivia falls in and out of love as easy as turning on and off a light switch. Toni and Peter are best friends and go to the Farmland Music and Arts Festival together. Toni is a couple of weeks before going off to college. Something that is the last thing she wants to do! Toni is still dealing with the loss of her father. Her father had once come to the Farmland Music Festival and later became a festival “roadie”. It is in her heart to follow in her father’s dream. Toni decides to enter a contest to perform at the festival. Olivia and Toni meet and instantly become friends. Both Olivia and Toni are forced to deal with issues that they need to face. They discover that their relationship has made things much more difficult and complicated. They also discover that they do need each other to help them deal with love, grief, and find what they are both searching for or find who they are. 

I love that setting for this book is at a music festival. It does set the mood for fun, entertaining, and magical. It is very unfortunate how such serious relationships can develop so quickly such as this. I feel that the author was able to relate this story to many of the young readers. However, I also feel the author had many opportunities to capitalize on issues were briefly touched upon in the story, such as texting and posting intimate photos on social media and a gun shooting in large crowds. These topics or story line there could have a valuable lesson to learn for our young readers. These issues are too real in our world today. Leah Johnson did have some wonderful lines that were insightful and meaningful. It caught my attention. The characters are described as have warm brown/black skin. There is a passionate kiss shared between two of the girls. 

Reviewer: Laura Trujillo, 5th grade teacher https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9781338662238

Almost Flying by Jake Maia - ADVISABLE

Almost Flying by Jake Maia, 340 pages. Dial Book for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2021. $18 

Language: G; Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

13yo Dalia has an obsession - watching POV roller coaster videos. Rani is on her summer swim team, and the two quickly become friends, watching POV roller coasters and makeup videos together. Dalia's parents are divorced - she doesn't see much of her mom and lives with her dad. When Dad wants Dalia to meet his new girlfriend Vanessa (what?) Dalia is none too pleased. Her dad has kept this from her for 6 months! Vanessa has a college aged daughter, Alexa, and Dad wants them to get to know each other this summer. Alexa has already planned a road trip to various amusement parks with her friend Dhruv, and hanging around for the summer to "bond" is out of the question. Wait! Amusement Parks? Dalia has never actually been on a roller coaster, maybe if she went along? and brought a friend? 

The description of the Roller Coaster videos seemed so fun I looked them up on youtube. I can see why Dalia would love them! Most of the action in Almost Flying is the fun they are having at the Amusement Parks, but Dalia is also questioning her identity, as her friendship with Rani feels like it could be something else. Alexa has a girlfriend, and Dhruv is gay, so Rani has some good mentors to help her navigate these new emotions. Overall, I think my middle school students will love this great road trip.  story. 

Lisa Librarian

Me (Moth) by Amber Mcbride - OPTIONAL

Me (Moth) by Amber Mcbride, 243 pages. Feiwel and Friends, 2021. $16

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (car accident, death, grief); Violence: PG-13(abuse, slavery mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

In this free prose poetry novel, Moth, a 17yo high schooler who's family died in a tragic accident, struggles with survivors guilt and just trying make it through life. Ever since her mom, dad and brother passed away in the accident her past passions for dancing were snuffed out and her demons she battles everyday grow stronger. Until one day she meets Sani, a Navajo born young man who has struggles of his own. His parents got a divorce, and his current step father is extremely abusive. Seeking refuge and clarity this unlikely pair take a road trip across America to find answers to their past.

I can appreciate McBride's writing style and she uses a lot of metaphors that I can admire. But all in all as a novel- this didn't really cut it for me. The free verse didn't make a whole lot of sense- and everything the characters said was questionable dialogue that made me confused. Sometimes the lines were just cheesy and didn't have any meaning to them. This also took me a while to fully get into and feel compelled to continue the story.

Kenzie Hoehne, Reviewer 

When I Hit the Road by Nancy J Cavanaugh - ADVISABLE

 When I Hit the Road by Nancy J Cavanaugh, 304 pages. Sourcebooks, 2020. $17 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Samantha has headed to Florida with her crafting company mom to convince Gram that she would be better off moving back to live near them. Gram has other ideas, however. When Mom has to go home suddenly for business, Gram and Samantha join Gram’s best friend and her grandson, Brandon (very cute), take off on a road trip through Florida in Gram’s turquoise Mustang, with the goal to earn a spot in a karaoke competition at the county fair. 

A quick, fun, funky read full of laughs and impossible, embarrassing situations. Gram really has it going on and her love for life finally penetrates into Samantha’s anxiety. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson - OPTIONAL

Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson, 405 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2021. $19

Language: R (12 swears, 3 “f”); Mature Content: PG - 13; Violence: PG - 13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Kat and Stevie are seniors, theater nerds, & best friends who are complete opposites. They decide to sneak away to spend an awesome night in NYC. They will see a show, peek at some celebrities, eat a bougie dinner and return to the suburbs with their parents none the wiser. What could possibly go wrong? Turns out, nearly everything - they don’t have phones, they don’t have purses, and when they get separated, they don’t even have each other. Can Stevie and Kat get back together before their wild night out falls apart? 

As someone who needs to have an itinerary, parking options, and driving directions before I go adventuring, this whole novel was anxiety-inducing. I can’t imagine being lost in a city and left to my own devices. However, it was fun and exciting (albeit totally implausible) to see what each girl got up to, and I was pleased to see their character growth as a result. It was a lot for one night, but I could see this book being appealing to teenage girls, especially those who are trying to decide future paths. 

 Reviewer: BookswithBeddes 

The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson - ADVISABLE

The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson, 227 pages. Norton Young Readers, 2020. $17. 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

After his grandmother’s death, 11yo Freddie Yates discovers his biological father might be alive and living in Wales. He convinces his two friends to go off on a harebrained scheme to find his father without telling their families where they are going. Along the way, they get mixed up with an onion eating competition, super hero costumes and dangerous art thieves. There is a lot of humor that makes this quest fun. Freddie, Ben, and Charlie make good foils for each other and the settings are delightful. I loved the ending, even though it seemed wrapped with a bow, because the super miraculous journey does seem to deliver on the miracles. A quirky, upbeat read that makes you value family and friends. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

That Time I Got Kidnapped by Tom Mitchell - OPTIONAL

That Time I Got Kidnapped by Tom Mitchell, 320 pages. Harper, 2020. $8 (paperback) 

Language: PG (12 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (some danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

14yo Jacob Clark has won an all expenses paid trip from his London home to Hollywood to be an extra in a secret superhero movie. When he misses his connection in Chicago, though, he ends up on a bus and involved with a runaway, Jennifer. Jennifer has fled from her grandmother, having grabbed her mother’s ashes and now she is trying to evade the Cowboy, her grandmother’s fixer. Together the pair are on the run (Jacob is just nice that way) and desperate to get to LA. 

Mitchell has written an over the top road trip book. Get ready to suspend belief in order to get into this. Kids who like super silly action will enjoy. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O'Shaughnessy - ADVISABLE

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O'Shaughnessy, 288 pages. Knopf Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2020. $17 

Language: G (1 swear 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

11yo Maybelle Lane wishes she knew more about her father.  Her mother doesn't talk about him - all she has is an old voice mail message. But one day she hears him on the radio and her mom quickly changes the station - ah ha! So, she secretly listens to his talk show - one day he announces he will be the judge for a singing contest in Nashville!  Mom has a job singing on a cruise ship, so Maybelle jumps at the chance to convince Mrs. Boggs (the neighbor put in charge of Maybelle) that she needs to get her to this contest.  Maybelle isn't the only one searching for something. The drive from Louisiana to Tennessee becomes a real adventure - one of the bullies from the neighborhood stowed away in the RV, and it turns out that Mrs. Boggs isn't the strict/mean school teacher Maybelle thought she was. 

I loved this summer read!  Engaging, sweet and heartwarming.  A great story about getting to know people, and finding that they aren't who you expect. Perfect for upper elementary or middle school.

Lisa Librarian  

As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl - HIGH

As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl, 432 pages. Dial Books (Penguin), 2019. $18                   

Language: R (22 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (Sex off the page, other sexual acts, drug use, teen pregnancy); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS  - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Scarlett is ready to graduate high school and move on from her small-town in Graceville, Colorado.  As the class Valedictorian, Scarlett is more than prepared to attend school at Colwyn College in the fall.  After crying on the shoulder of her ex-boyfriend's best friend, Scarlett finds herself falling for him.  Uncharacteristically, Scarlett sets off on an epic road trip with her new crush, David. 

Moving between the past and present Scarlett reflects on choices both right and wrong, past and present love and the desire to simply do what's right.  Scarlett is soon faced with a choice nobody at her age should have to make, that will shape her future forever.   

Shana Youngdahl nailed it in her debut novel, As Many Nows as I can Get.  Students will love the whirlwind romance between Scarlett and David and will be shocked to find out what happens to both of them.  They will also understand the power of friendship through Scarlett's roommate Mina.  Everyone needs to have a Mina in their life.  I liked how this book provided pivotal information early on so the reader could read the remainder of the book knowing this information.  Youngdahl's writing is intended for a more mature audience with the frequent use of drugs, language and a few sexual encounters. This story is sure to stir your emotions and captive your heart.    

Jessica Nelson, Librarian                                                                 

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart - ESSENTIAL

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart, 344 pages. Henry Holt (MacMillan), 2019. $17.

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Coyote Sunrise has been living and traveling all over the country with Rodeo (her dad) in a converted school bus for the last 5 years. One day, on her regular phone call to her grandma, Coyote discovers that the town is tearing up the park she loved as a child. Coyote, her sisters and her mom buried a memory box by a tree in that park; tragically, her mom and sisters were killed in an automobile accident a short time later. Memories are a no-go with Rodeo, so, Coyote has to convince him to drive the 3,000+ miles from Florida to Washington State without letting him find out they are actually going back home to find the box, and she won't be able to do it alone because she only has 4 days to get them there. 

Coyote is a great character, I loved joining her on this impossible road trip. Mature for her years, she tells a grand story, makes wonderful friends and learns important life lessons. An engaging read, funny as well as heartbreaking. It stays with me, I keep thinking about her even after I've finished the book. Well done, Dan Gemeinhart!

Lisa Librarian

American Road Trip by Patrick Flores-Scott - OPTIONAL

American Road Trip by Patrick Flores-Scott, 323 pages. Henry Holt and Co., 2018. $18. 

Language: R (92 swears, 0 Fs); Mature Content: PG-13 (kissing, mild drug use and references, talk of suicide, descriptions of war, some peril); Violence: PG-13;

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Life has not been easy for high school junior Teodoro Avila since his big brother, and hero, Manny was deployed to Iraq. His parents barely speak anymore, his dad's unemployment forced a move to a rundown rental house, and T’s grades are anything but college-worthy. All that changes one day when T runs into an old family friend, Wendy Martinez, who just happens to be gorgeous. T decides then to make a life plan: turn his life around so he can get to college and get the girl. The plan starts out great and T’s grades improve as his connection to Wendy grows. Life seems even better when the news comes that Manny is just a few months away from coming home. T can’t wait for Manny to see what he’s making of himself and he secretly hopes the family will finally go back to the way they were before Manny left. Unfortunately, Manny’s return is not everything that the family dreamed of because Manny is suffering from PTSD and struggles to adjust to life at home. As the situation becomes more desperate, T and his sister, Xochitl, decide to take desperate measures to save Manny, even if it means a major change of plans for Teodoro. 

I wasn’t sure about this book at first, but it really grew on me and by the end, I was in tears. The characters were well developed and even though I couldn’t specifically relate to them or their situation, I was invested in their story and cared about what happened to them.  At its heart, this book is a love story, but not just the mushy, teenage-angst-ridden-first-kiss kind of love. Teodoro, does fall in love for the first time and it’s a powerful motivator, but more important is his love for his family, particularly Manny. It’s this familial love that drives the narrative and drives T’s decisions and in the end it’s what makes all the difference. The themes of love and family are universal and so even though I don’t have first-hand experience with what Teodoro is going through, I still felt like I could relate to his love for his family. I also liked that the main character is male, Hispanic, has a Polynesian best friend, and his parents are still together. This book is kind of niche-y, but it could really be helpful for kids who tend to be under-represented. I think it’s an important book to have on hand, particularly for certain areas and populations, so I’ve given it an advisable. Even though there are a lot of swear words, they were mild and mostly used as an exclamation rather than in anger. As the majority of the story revolves around Manny’s struggle to overcome the symptoms of PTSD, there are some stressful and anxious moments, including an episode where Teodoro prevents Manny’s suicide, leading to the PG-13s in mature content and violence. 

Reviewer: Andrea R

Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe by Jo Hackl - ESSENTIAL

Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe by Jo Hackl, 240 pages. Random House, 2018. $17. 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Cricket’s grandmother died. Then her depressed mother left town. Then her father died. Now her aunt has conveniently forgotten her at Thelma’s Cash n’ Carry. There’s only one thing to do. Find her mother. She takes a few things from the store and hikes out to the treehouse her dad built near an old, abandoned town. She puts her survival skills to use and searches for clues that will lead her to a mysterious room of paintings her mother stumbled on many years ago.

This book covers many topics that will appeal to middle grade kids. It has adventure and survival on one hand, but a sentimental mother/daughter relationship on the other. Cricket’s mother is mentally ill, but Cricket still finds many things about her to admire. Despite all the tragedy in her life, Cricket is a strong, independent girl, a great role model. This author has a writing style similar to Leslie Connor and Sheila Turnage.

Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist

The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss - ESSENTIAL

The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss, 307 pages. FICTION. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House), 2018. $17

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS — ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A young girl shows up on the doorstep of “The Mostly Silent Monastery” with a shirt that reads “bicycle”. Bicycle quickly becomes a part of the monastery and is raised primarily by Sister Wanda who is very concerned about Bicycle making friends. Sister Wanda plans to send Bicycle to a camp for making friends, but Bicycle has other ideas. Bicycle leaves camp to go ride her bike across the country to meet her favorite famous cyclist in person in California. Along the way she crosses paths with all sort of quirky and charming characters, including a Civil War ghost and a Kentucky Derby horse, and most of these characters become her friend and cheerleader.

This might be my favorite book of the year. A true adventure story that left me antsy to see who the next character full of oddness and wisdom we would meet would be. The writing is excellent and the humor is on point. I think this would be a great first literary read for a student who is transitioning out of chapter books. It would also make an excellent classroom read aloud novel, ideal for grades anywhere from third to eight.     

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen by Catherine Lloyd - ESSENTIAL

The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen by Catherine Lloyd Burns. 246 pages. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2017. $17. 9780374300418.

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL.

Cricket Cohen has an exceptionally active imagination that tends to get her in trouble with her parents and teachers. She relates best to her grandmother, Dodo, who is also a great adventurer. With her parents away on a day-trip to the Hamptons, Cricket and Dodo head off on an adventure together in the city. But Dodo gets confused, and things start to get a little more serious, and Cricket will find that sometimes real life is a pretty big adventure all on its own.

I really enjoyed this story. Cricket is an endearing heroine as she marvels at the madness of the world around her and tries to maneuver life as a bright kid with a crazy imagination. The characters are well created and I came to appreciate each one. The story takes a graceful turn into the topic of senile dementia and how families deal with it. I loved that the author included everybody's perspective on Dodo's encroaching dementia--including Dodo's! Overall its a really great story and one I'd definitely recommend.

 Reviewer: TC