An Occasionally Happy Family

Gordon Korman meets The Great Outdoors in this funny and moving debut about a boy who goes on a disastrous family vacation that involves sweltering heat, bear chases, and ends with his dad's new girlfriend. Theo Ripley has no enthusiasm for the family vacation to Big Bend National Park, especially since they will be camping and it's their first vacation since his mom passed away. The vacation is filled with challenges like intense heat, encounters with wild bears, and annoying fellow campers. However, the biggest shock comes when Theo's dad reveals that the vacation is a cover for introducing his secret new girlfriend. As it becomes apparent that she might become his stepmom, Theo struggles with his emotions and must find a way to communicate his feelings to his dad before his family changes forever.