A Hero\u2019s Guide to Summer Vacation<\/strong> Grief-stricken 13-year-old Gonzalo reluctantly joins a road trip with his estranged abuelo and famous fantasy-writer on the final tour to promote his best-selling book series.<\/p>\n Our Young Reviewer Says:<\/strong><\/p>\n The emotional layers in this book are beautifully done. Gonzalo\u2019s grief over his father and Alberto\u2019s haunted past aren\u2019t just plot points\u2014they\u2019re raw, real, and handled with care. I especially admired how Cartaya used storytelling as a way to heal and connect. It reminded me that sometimes, sharing a story is the bravest thing we can do. The characters? Unforgettable.<\/p>\n Gonzalo\u2019s introverted charm and Alberto\u2019s gruff tenderness made them the perfect odd couple. Their banter, their silences, their growth\u2014it all felt authentic. And the way Spanish was woven into the dialogue added richness and cultural depth that I really appreciated. Was this book special? Without a doubt. It wasn\u2019t just a summer adventure\u2014it was a heartfelt exploration of family, memory, and the stories that shape us. It made me reflect on my own relationships and the quiet magic of time spent together.<\/p>\n \u2013Riya, age 13, Mumbai, India<\/p>\n Young people who are interested in reviewing are invited to do so as we welcome the individual perspective of our age-appropriate readers. If you are interested in being a reviewer, contact youngreviewers@bankstreet.edu<\/a><\/p>\n See our Monthly Picks Archive 2012\u20132018<\/a>, and our Monthly Picks 2019\u2013present<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Author: Pablo Cartaya<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/bankstreet-wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/summer-vacation-thumb.png\")
What I loved about A Hero\u2019s Guide to Summer Vacation<\/em> was how deeply it resonated with me. The road trip setting wasn\u2019t just a backdrop\u2014it felt like a mirror to my own life. Every year, my family takes a long road trip, and those hours in the car are some of my favorite moments. No distractions, just laughter, stories, and quiet togetherness. So when Gonzalo and his grandfather Alberto hit the road, I was instantly hooked.<\/p>\n