A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025 · Est. 7 hour read

A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation

Written by Pablo Cartaya

A reluctant hero and his grandfather face real and imagined demons on a transformative road trip.

4.1 Goodreads · 660 ratings
288 pages· 51,866 words· Est. 7 hour read· 750L
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Bookroo's summary

Gonzalo, a quiet observer, is thrust into an unexpected adventure with his estranged grandfather, a famous author. As they journey from Mendocino to Miami in a vintage convertible, they confront both real and imagined demons. Over ten days, Gonzalo discovers that true heroism lies in facing family secrets and rewriting old narratives. Will this road trip redefine their bond and reveal the true meaning of family? Join them on a journey where reality blurs with fantasy, and every mile brings a new revelation.

From the publisher

A New York Times bestseller! Reality proves more epic than fantasy in this family road trip story starring a reluctant young hero and his curmudgeonly grandfather. Gonzalo Alberto Sánchez García has never considered himself the hero of his own story. He’s an observer, quietly snapshotting landscapes and drawing the creatures he imagines emerging from them. Forced to spend the summer with his estranged grandfather, Alberto William García–the very famous reclusive author–Gonzalo doesn’t expect to learn that heroes and monsters are not only the stuff of fantasy. But that’s precisely what happens when Gonzalo’s CEO mother, Veronica, sends Alberto on tour to promote the final book in his fantasy series for children and Gonzalo must tag along, even though he feels no connection to his grandfather or the books. Together, they embark on a cross-country road trip from Mendocino to Miami in a classic 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S convertible named Mathilde. Over the course of ten epic days on the highway, they will slay demons, real and imagined; confront old stories to write new ones; and learn what it truly means to show up for your family.

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
288
Words
51,866
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
750L
The author

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
5
F&P level
~R
AR points
8
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
555469
Publication
Published
May 6, 2025
Publisher
Kokila
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780451479754

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