A Hero’s Guide to Summer ­Vacation

Gr 6 Up–In this exploration of grief, generational impact, and healing, readers will find a book they can’t put down. Gonzalo Alberto Sánchez García is spending summer vacation with his estranged grandfather, author of a popular juvenile fantasy series. The next book in the series is launching, and the pair are supposed to fly cross-country for a book tour. Grandfather Alberto has other plans and friends to see, so they road-trip instead. Along the way, the two bond as Alberto shares snippets of his life and the dangers of his childhood in Cuba. Alberto softens towards Gonzalo and helps his grandson explore his grief. Gonzalo is struggling with the death of his scientist father; he is also distressed because he isn’t scientifically inclined and feels like he’s carrying the weight of saving the world by lowering carbon emissions. Alberto still grieves his parents and wife. Gonzalo’s mom Veronica joins them, and like a geyser, the pressure builds until the three travelers erupt and must deal with the unacknowledged grief, pain, and anger among them. Conversations frequently include Spanish, and context clues assist those who don't read the Spanish. While there are loose ends, the book ends on hopeful notes.