An Occasionally Happy Family

By Cliff Burke

A disastrous vacation reveals a secret that could change Theo's family forever.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 587 ratings

224 pages

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Bookroo's summary

Theo Ripley dreads the family trip to Big Bend, a sweltering, bear-filled national park. It's their first vacation since his mom's passing, and Theo, an indoor enthusiast, is unprepared for the wild. Amidst the chaos of heat and wildlife, Theo's dad unveils a shocking secret: a new girlfriend auditioning for stepmom. As Theo grapples with grief and betrayal, he must confront his father before their family dynamic shifts irreversibly. Will Theo find the courage to voice his feelings, or will this surprise forever alter his world? Discover the humor and heart in this tale of unexpected change.

From the publisher

Gordon Korman meets The Great Outdoors in this funny and moving debut about a boy who goes on a disastrous family vacation (sweltering heat! bear chases!) that ends with a terrible surprise: his dad’s new girlfriend. There are zero reasons for Theo Ripley to look forward to his family vacation. Not only are he, sister Laura, and nature-obsessed Dad going to Big Bend, the least popular National Park, but once there, the family will be camping. And Theo is an indoor animal. It doesn’t help that this will be the first vacation they’re taking since Mom passed away. Once there, the family contends with 110 degree days, wild bears, and an annoying amateur ornithologist and his awful teenage vlogger son. Then, Theo’s dad hits him with a whopper of a surprise: the whole trip is just a trick to introduce his secret new girlfriend. Theo tries to squash down the pain in his chest. But when it becomes clear that this is an auditioning-to-be-his-stepmom girlfriend, Theo must find a way to face his grief and talk to his dad before his family is forever changed.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 224
Reading age: 9–12
Audience: Middle Grade

Themes & topics

Books about death Books about travel Books about family Books about parents Books about outdoor activities

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Language

There are various references to giving someone the middle finger.

For readers who can't stop at one