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breckenthereader's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ngreader's review against another edition
5.0
Love the exploration of family with the grandparents showing up. Love learning more about the different ethnicities of the family through much more different ways (learning that the grandparents are from China and that they practice Tai Chi) - it really let the book expand in quite a different way than most stories with biracial protagonists.
foosreadsandwrites's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent! I read this to my daughters for bedtime. A sweet story about family and intergenerational relationships.
readsewknit's review against another edition
5.0
With characteristic charm, Karina Yan Glaser again tells an engaging story about the beloved Vanderbeekers.
As it opens, Oliver and his father are set to take a long-anticipated father-son camping trip when it has to be called off suddenly. While their father is out of town, the children spend time putting together a suitable party for their dad's upcoming 40th birthday.
Meanwhile, their mother's parents arrive for an unannounced visit. As their relationship is strained, the children struggle to find joy with the visit. However, some things feel different, and this turns into a beautiful opportunity for healing and restoration. There are hair-dyeing mishaps, tourist adventures, revealed family secrets, and frank but gentle conversations about racism and discrimination.
I have started reading this series with my two daughters, ages 7 and 11, and while we are only on the second book, I cannot wait to continue this series with them. There is humor and goodness and delight, all at attainable and age-appropriate levels.
(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
As it opens, Oliver and his father are set to take a long-anticipated father-son camping trip when it has to be called off suddenly. While their father is out of town, the children spend time putting together a suitable party for their dad's upcoming 40th birthday.
Meanwhile, their mother's parents arrive for an unannounced visit. As their relationship is strained, the children struggle to find joy with the visit. However, some things feel different, and this turns into a beautiful opportunity for healing and restoration. There are hair-dyeing mishaps, tourist adventures, revealed family secrets, and frank but gentle conversations about racism and discrimination.
I have started reading this series with my two daughters, ages 7 and 11, and while we are only on the second book, I cannot wait to continue this series with them. There is humor and goodness and delight, all at attainable and age-appropriate levels.
(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
oliviapaige3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
pants0701's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
pilates_mama's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0