The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher

Family Fletcher #1

by Dana Alison Levy

Meet the Fletchers. Their year will be filled with new schools, old friends, a grouchy neighbor, hungry skunks, leaking ice rinks, school plays, wet cats, and scary tales told in the dark!

There’s Sam, age twelve, who’s mostly interested in soccer, food, and his phone; Jax, age ten, who’s psyched for fourth grade and thinks the new neighbor stinks, and not just because of the skunk; Eli, age ten (but younger than Jax), who’s thrilled to be starting this year at the Pinnacle School, where everyone’s the smart kid; and Frog (not his real name), age six, who wants everyone in kindergarten to save a seat for his invisible cheetah. Also Dad and Papa.

WARNING: This book contains cat barf, turtle pee, and some really annoying homework assignments.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, LGBT, Family, Humor, Fiction, Childrens

272 pages, Library Binding

First published July 22, 2014

About the author

Dana Alison Levy was raised by pirates but escaped at a young age and went on to earn a degree in aeronautics and puppetry. Actually, that’s not true—she just likes to make things up. That’s why she always wanted to write books. She was born and raised in New England and studied English literature before going to graduate school for business. While there is value in all learning, had she known she would end up writing for a living, she might not have struggled through all those statistics and finance classes. The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher is her first published novel, but she has a trunk full of other attempts, which vary in degrees of awfulness.
Her first book for young adults, Above All Else, comes out in October 2020. In addition to The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher, she has also written The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island, This Would Make a Good Story, and It Wasn't me. All her books have garnered starred reviews, multiple Best Of lists and state reading lists, and are Junior Library Guild selections. Also her kids like them.

Reviews

[Dana Levy]

Well, I wrote this book. So you know, I'm pretty fond of it.
Why do I think it's so great? Hmmm...I'll be honest, I am a sucker for "comfort food" books - you know, books you can curl up with and feel like the world is an okay place for a little while. Some of my favorite books growing up were Elizabeth Enright's MELENDY QUARTET (including THE SATURDAYS and THE FOUR-STORY MISTAKE), Edward Eager's HALF MAGIC, Sydney Taylor's ALL OF A KIND FAMILY series. When I started writing about the Fletchers I wanted to tell a story that gave kids today the same feeling, but that took into account that families -- everyday American families -- come in all shapes and sizes.
Anyway, that's why I like the book. I hope others like it too!

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

We hit the jackpot for audiobooks on our recent vacation. We listened to this one on our way home, the second audio in a row containing a curmudgeonly old man and the second excellent middle grade story. In this one, we follow the Fletcher family through an entire school year. This non-traditional family has two fathers, but the focus was really on the children, each of whom had his own issues to overcome. I liked that this highlighted different strengths and personality traits in each child, that the challenges each faced were realistic, and that the family banded together and supported one another. This was cute and modeled characteristics I embrace for my own family: unconditional love, compassion, patience, compromise, understanding, and inclusiveness. and love. Did I say love? 4 stars.

[Kristen Lippert-Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think my new litmus test for whether someone is a decent soul will be to make him read this book and then ask, "Is that not the most delightfully funny, sweet, heart-warming story you've ever read in your life? WELL? ISN'T IT?" And if they say no, OK then ... *ahem* ... nice knowing you, buddy.

This book has no agenda other than to present a beautifully rendered portrait of family life. The Fletcher bond is an especially tough cement mixed from love, kindness, patience, chaos, and stinky sneaker funk. Sometimes you read MG books and they're too heavy on the zaniness to feel quite real. Don't get me wrong, this book is hilarious, but it's also pleasantly restrained in that way. It never veers into that land of unbelievable nuttiness just to play for laughs. These kids and parents are real and relatable, as they must be in order for us to feel the full emotional weight of the story.

I guess it's pretty clear that I loved this book. I hope there's a sequel because I would gladly be adopted by the Fletchers again, and I would also love to know how these two dads steer these four boys through puberty. Whoa, nellie. I need a drink just contemplating that.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in 2005, Jeanne Birdsall did such a good job of updating the traditional "family novel" that her effort, The Penderwicks, won the National Book Award for Young People. I am, *ahem*, kind of a Penderwicks fan, but I have to give some credence to one of the most common critiques of the series: that in attempting to establish a "timeless" tone, Birdsall actually fails to create an accurate portrait of the modern world. There are cell phones and computers in Penderwickia, but they are rarely used. The sisters never play video games. I don't think they even mention tv.

Not so with the Fletchers, of Dana Alison Levy's debut novel, The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher. The Fletchers text and email (sometimes with hilarious results). They say "dude," and "sick," and "awesome," and occasionally other, less printable words* (they all contribute to a "rude word jar" when they slip up).

They are a thoroughly modern family in composition and background as well: two dads and four adopted sons (two white, one African-American, one Indian). Levy deliberately downplays the diversity of the family - letting their traits and backgrounds emerge naturally in the course of the narrative - and in doing so she makes her focus clear. This is primarily a family story, in the classic mode of All-Of-A-Kind Family, Little Women, and Ginger Pye, and the Fletchers just happen to reflect what a family might look like in the 21st century.

In her own Goodreads review of the book, Levy says, "I'll be honest, I am a sucker for `comfort food' books - you know, books you can curl up with and feel like the world is an okay place for a little while," and that is exactly what you should expect from the Fletchers: comfort. Everyone in their little Massachusetts (I think? Possibly Maine?) town seems cool with the whole gay parenting thing, and the boys worry more about being ostracized for their thespian leanings than their racial backgrounds. Is that a flaw in the book? I would argue that it's not, because one, it's reflective of the genre, and two, isn't this what we mean with the whole "we need diverse books" campaign? That we need books about all kinds of diverse characters leading all kinds of lives?

I have to admit, though, that this book is precisely my cup of tea, so I'm biased. If I were on the Newbery Committee, it would definitely be a contender for one of my nominations - great characters, lots of humor, multiple well-realized settings, etc. Once we reached the discussion stage, I'm sure one of my other committee members would help me see it through less rosy lenses.

Since I'm just armchair quarterbacking, though, I'll just sit here and bask in the Fletchers' glow (until one of you'un comes to tell me otherwise).


*And can I just say how happy that makes me? Granted, the Penderwick paterfamilias deals with the chaos of the household by retreating to his office as often as possible, but even so, you can't tell me that having four children in the house would not result in the parent(s) screaming profanity at least once a week. I mean, I only have one child, and if I had a rude word jar in my house its earnings would probably outpace my 401K.

[Shoshana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty much damn near the perfect middle-grade.

Follow the lives of the four Fletcher boys, Sam, Jax, Eli, and Frog and their two Dads (the kids are all adopted) over the course of a school year. Each boy struggles with his own hurdles, from finding new interests, to difficulty with friends, to trying out a new school, but it all blends together perfectly in a show of everyday family life. Each chapter opens with a note, e-mail, or text from one character to another (or from one of the fathers to the kids) which I found to be a great touch, and only further showed what a connected, communicating family they were.

Each character shines on his own, but they also fit perfectly as a whole. The parents' support and guidance of their children is heart-warming, and you can't help but root for everyone. Levy's crafted a book made to stand alongside the likes of "The Penderwicks," "All of a Kind Family," "Little Women," or Beverly Cleary books.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book, to the point where, when I came to the end, I refused to read the acknowledgments - I couldn't stand the reminder that these characters were only fictional creations! I really WANTED them to be real, because I loved them all so much, every single member of this wonderful, wacky family. (Maybe especially Frog, the six-year-old, but only because he reminded me *so much* of another kid the same age whom I know and love in real life…)

I can't count how many times I laughed out loud as I read this book, or saved sections to read out loud to my husband later. (Which did the job - he's promised to read it, too!) It's been a long time since I've read a book that filled me with such missionary zeal - I want to thrust it into the hands of everybody I know, because it's just wonderful - hilarious, moving, and genuinely sweet. It would fit really well on the bookshelf next to Jeanne Birdsall's THE PENDERWICKS series, Hilary McKay's Casson Family series or Susie Day's PEA'S BOOK series (which are, not coincidentally, three of my favorite series in the world).

I cannot wait to read whatever Dana Alison Levy reads next - and I'll be re-reading this book as a comfort book again and again over the years!

[Jen Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family and I adored this book, and it was with great sighing sadness that we turned the last page, and ended our visit with the loveable Fletchers. In fact, along with their Dads, I got a little choked up at the parting. Four boys. Four distinct but entwined adventures in pet acquisition, neighbor diplomacy, friendship navigation, begging for experiences that don't deliver all that was dreamed, new talent discovery, and valiant attempts at family cooking, just to name a few! The book abounds in wildly funny moments, that get their power from the author's very real understanding of the grace, and groans that mark family life. A part of me doesn't even want to even talk about the fact that this book stands apart from many other family adventures not just because of superior story-telling, but because the parents in this case are Dad and Papa. It counts for next to beautiful nothing in the story, but I think the author has to be, in our world, congratulated for just that fact and achievement. Well done, Dana Alison Levy!

[LauraW · Rating 1 out of 5]

Right now, I am rather annoyed at this book for the way the character Eli was handled. I doubt if there could be many more smart kid stereotypes used for him. I am also very annoyed at the way the school for gifted kids was described - no playground, no recess, bathroom breaks that were timed, on and on - anything that could make the school sound like a prison, in direct contrast to the wonderful public school. I wonder if the author has actually ever visited a school for gifted kids or has interacted with very many of them. I have - and I am really tired of such worn out stereotypes.

There may be positives to this story, but a lot of it seems filled with showing how a family with two dads is just great and a curmudgeonly neighbor was just concerned about his elderly mother and the imaginary friend of the youngest son was really a real girl, but with wheat and dairy allergies. The oldest son was a fantastic athlete, but also was a star storyteller and actor. Politically correct, much.

Sorry.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The four Fletcher brothers each expect the upcoming school year to be the best ever. Twelve-year-old Sam believes that he will be the youngest player in history to make the Shipton Under-15 Elite Soccer team, while ten-year-old Jax is excited to have finally made it to the fourth grade, in the Upper Elementary school. Eli, also ten, is ecstatic at the opportunity to attend Pinnacle, a private school focused exclusively on academics, while Frog (real name Jeremiah) is heading to kindergarten for the first time. As the brothers and their two fathers, Dad and Papa, go through their year, they confront numerous challenges - a grumpy neighbor whom they just can't seem to befriend, conflicts with erstwhile friends, the discovery that sometimes what we want isn't everything we hoped it would be - but also experience the joys of a loving and close family and home.

Having seen it compared to Beverly Cleary's Ramona books, as well as Jeanne Birdsall's more recent stories about the Penderwick sisters, I was eager to pick up The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher, and for the most part I was not disappointed. Dana Alison Levy does a good job creating a cast of characters, each of which feels like an individual. I appreciated the fact that the various issues of identity here - the same-sex parents; the four adopted brothers: one African-American, two Euro-American, one Indian-American - are taken for granted in the narrative, rather than being the focus of the story. This is just a gentle family tale, one which happens to feature a group of boys being parented by two men, but which experiences all of the joys and struggles of any other family. I don't know that I found the writing quite as accomplished as either Cleary or Birdsall's - it was sweet, but not especially memorable - but I enjoyed it enough to track down this year's sequel, The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island . Recommended to children who enjoy fun family stories, or to anyone looking for stories about families with same-sex parents.

[Jennifer Armstrong · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry to say I do not share the glowing affection so many others seem to feel for this book. Trans-racial families are not "just like everyone else," as much as it may comfort you to think so. The dynamics are different and I think it's naive to think an entire year of this family's life can go by without any charged conversations about race and identity, especially with teens, and especially with an African-American teen-aged son. I'm an adoptive white mother of a black child, and to me this book did not feel like an authentic representation of an adoptive and trans-racial family at all. I will also say that I was stunned to see the word "wooly" used to describe the African-American son's hair. It's simply not an acceptable word and it raised all kinds of red flags for me.

[Jaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the tradition of Jeanne Birdsall or Hilary McKay, Dana Alison Levy draws a loving portrait of a boisterous family. Two dads, four adopted boys, a grumpy neighbor, and an awesome cupcake baking aunt that lives in NYC (along with various pets) fill the pages of this school year long adventure. I cheered for each boy's individual arc as they started new schools, tried out new activities, made real friends, and always circled back to the foundation of the home their dads built for them.

A wonderful look at a non-traditional family being a regular family in the wackiest ways. A must add for every middle grade bookshelf! Just a solid feel good story with a lot of laughter.

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, endearing novel about family. So very, very well done! I loved every member of this wonderful family. I rooted for each of them, celebrated them, smiled so big it hurt my cheeks. This is what family is. Loved the noisy, messy mumble jumble of every day love and family connection explored in this book. A happy, hilarious MG read.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

More books about non-traumatic domestic infant-or-very-young adopted children, please! I love focused on adoption stories, but I'd ALSO love some more where it's just part of who they are, and not the main focus of their story!

Thanks for the rec, Jasmine!

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! What a wonderful portrayal of a diverse family that focuses more on their adventures than on their diverse makeup. There need to be more books like this, featuring a blended family that happens to be made up of gay parents, four adopted sons (one Indian, one African American, one jock who happens to love musicals and one gifted student grappling with what that means) plus a cat and a dog and a cranky next door neighbor. What a valuable understanding for young readers, that a family is a family, no matter it's make-up or differences from one's own. I loved that the Fletcher family is headed by two dads but that that is not the primary focus of the book. Instead of making this an "issue book" it showcases a strong family unit with two dads - hopefully something that will happen more frequently in children's literature, particularly with the recent Supreme Court ruling. (Realistically, when the family visits Eli's new school, some people are less understanding than others... I think that is ok and true to life). I loved each of the four sons in the family, they are incredibly endearing with realistic challenges that they face. How beautiful that this book exists, it has so much heart and humor at its core. I thought the idea of Dad and Papa adopting four boys from different backgrounds was lovely. It was wonderful to hear that they celebrated each child's background culturally and religiously, particularly around the winter holidays. I wish I knew the Fletchers in real life, things would certainly never be dull! I think every kid and adult should read this, a wonderful look at a diverse, loving family and their sometimes wacky, always endearing adventures.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet the Fletchers. First there’s Sam – he’s 12 and likes soccer, food, and his phone. Then there’s Jax. He’s 10, and isn’t super excited about the new neighbor OR about the fact that Eli (also 10) will be going to a different school this year. Eli is going to the Pinnacle School this year – he’s excited because everyone there will be as smart as him. Youngest, Frog (no, not his real name) is ready for Kindergarten but is worried there won’t be a seat next to him for Flare, his invisible cheetah. There’s also Dad, and Papa, and Zeus (the cat) and Mr. Puggleton (the dog). (Did you notice there are no girls in this family? Can you imagine the fun the Fletchers get up to? And the adventures? And the misadventures?)
If you’re looking for a book to make you laugh, or a book with characters you’ll wish were real so you could be friends with them – make sure you read The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh so lovely. More books like this, please. Books where "non-traditional" families are presented in super straightforward, low key ways. Where the book isn't about "OMG LOOK AT THIS NON-TRADITIONAL FAMILY WITH LGBTQ PEOPLE IN IT!" Instead, it's all like, "Hey, look at these interesting characters with quirky personalities doing funny things and sad things and living their lives!"

Every character in the Family Fletcher is memorable. I loved coasting along with them for a year, learning about their troubles and happinesses, and feeling like a part of the family.

[Alina Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this family. Every single one of them. Read it and laugh.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish there had been better teachers, librarians & principals for these kids!

[Melanto Mori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quattro ragazzi che vanno dai 6 ai 12 anni. Quattro ragazzi tutti di etnie diverse e adottati da una coppia di padri.
Se non avete ancora conosciuto i Fletcher, per l'amor del cielo: FATELO!
Quando ho deciso di leggere questo libro (che avevo in libreria almeno da un paio d'anni. MEA MAXIMA CULPA!) mi ero fatta delle idee su cosa mi sarei trovata davanti, e ci ho preso in pieno (con mia enorme gioia!).
Un libro leggero, divertente, con le disavventure quotidiane - narrate durante un anno scolastico - di questi quattro ragazzini tutti diversi e che stanno imparando a crescere. Cambiano, si relazionano con gli altri, tra vicini burberi, amici veri e presunti, e nuove esperienze.
I nostri protagonisti imparano a sbagliare, a chiedere scusa, a confrontarsi con le proprie scelte e con il fatto che si cresce e non tutto può sempre restare uguale a come è stato. E lo fanno in maniera divertente, con qualche dramma, ma che in ogni caso si può risolvere con una partita a hockey nel cortile di casa.

Ho adorato tutti i personaggi. Tutti. A partire da papà Tom e papà Jason, due figure presenti ma non oppressive. Lasciano lo spazio ai loro figli per imparare da soli e intervengono quando è necessario.
Poi Sam, Jax, Eli e Frog. Uno più scombinato dell'altro, ma che tutti insieme funzionano alla grande e sono pronti a spalleggiarsi in ogni occasione (se non se le suonano!). Più volte ho desiderato di abbracciarli tutti, nei loro momenti di difficoltà; soprattutto Eli. Più volte avrei voluto dire a Jax: tutti cambiano e va bene anche così. A Frog avrei voluto regalare mille animaletti da coccolare e Sam... awww! Sam è il mio preferito! *-*
Avrei tanto voluto leggere ancora di loro, vederli crescere ancora e fare altre esperienze, magari approfondire anche gli aspetti un po' più tristi della crescita, ma capisco quale fosse il target di questa storia e l'idea di una narrazione più spensierata e non drammona.

Questo libro ha solo due difetti (e non dipendono dal libro!):
1) Perché la CE che lo ha tradotto in Italia non ha portato anche il sequel?!?!? T_T PERCHE'?!?! Perché avete questo pessimo vizio di iniziare a tradurre le serie e non le concludete? Non è onesto nei riguardi dei lettori. Per niente!

2) Perché non tradurre il titolo originale così com'era?! O_O "Le disavventure della Famiglia Fletcher". Era così FACILE. Invece no: invece "Quattro ragazzi per due papà"... okay... :|

Spero che qualcuno decida di portare anche "It wasn't me", perché sembra davvero carinissimo! Vorrei più titoli tradotti di questa autrice ç_ç

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fantastic middle grade book about a family's year that feels both classic and modern. It reminded me of books like Elizabeth Enright's "The Saturdays" or Eleanor Estes' Moffats books, in that it's an ensemble cast -- all the children are important and have plots-- and incredibly cozy. But it also feels like it was written in the last decade, which is surprisingly difficult to find with middle grade books about a family. (I'm looking at you, Penderwicks.) The obvious thing is that the kids are all adopted and there are two dads, but beyond that, one of the parents works in tech and has video conference calls. The internet is mentioned. People use phones. Travel is easier. The buzzwords at the terrible school one of the kids wants to go to feel contemporary.

AND it's a cozy family story about growing up and being friends and trusting each other and yourself and I want to hug everyone.

[Tod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: The Fletcher family is just like any other family. Two parents, four kids, and several pets all running around living their day-to-day lives. Sam Fletcher is the oldest son and is excited for sixth grade and relishing in his popularity. Jax, fourth-grader, is having trouble with a challenging school assignment and his cantankerous elderly neighbor. Eli, also fourth-grader, is excited to start at his new school for intelligently gifted kids. And Frog, a kindergartner who has trouble differentiating between real and imaginary. All of their adventures, along with their dads’, make for quite the interesting year for the family Fletcher.

Review: I loved this story! It was so surprisingly heartwarming. I definitely didn’t expect to find such a connection and love for this book. I also didn’t anticipate reading about a family with two dads. Literally had no clue that was an element in this story – not that I disliked it! I loved it. It was literally not a big deal at all. It was just perfectly accepted and was never a point of conflict (which is totally new!). I also really valued the four different stories from the boys. I felt invested in all of their lives and conflicts and like I got to know them each on an individual level. While I connected most with Eli, I still enjoyed the other three and their unique tales. I will say, though, that I would’ve enjoyed more Frog. I felt like Levy gave him very little page-time and didn’t let his story develop as it should, but other than this small debacle, I loved the story through and through. I especially loved the diversity. Not just the gay dads, but each kid was of a different religion and/or ethnicity, and neither Levy nor the fathers ignored this. Their various cultures were celebrated and acknowledged, but they were not their primary identifying factor. Yes, Jax was black, but he was so much more than this. Levy made sure to develop well-rounded, deep characters that have more than their one identity. More than anything though, this story was filled with raw emotion, hearttouching tales, and general all around happiness.

Rating: 5 out of 5

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute realistic fiction for grades 3 to 6. I'm not the right audience, so it was just.....cute and squeaky clean, and it gave me a few chuckles. I can tell that this is just "misadventure" numero uno in what will be a series of books about this lovable family, but I won't be reading any more of them. I am THRILLED that it is an elementary book in which there are gay parents adopting children and that's not what the book is ABOUT at all...just considered normal. It's about time. :)

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about four brothers and their adventures during the school year. Each chapter begins with an e-mail or note from one of the two dads to the kids or to his sister. It summarizes the events of the chapter from the POV of the adult while each chapter alternates POV between one of the boys.

12-year-old Sam, the oldest, just wants to play soccer. Now he's in 6th grade, his last year at the Upper Elementary school, he's trying to figure out his future. That future does not include annoying little brothers or school musicals!

Jax has just moved up to Upper El and he's eager to be seen as cool. If Sam's friends accept him then he's in. Jax is passionate about soccer and fitting in. When he starts to notice changes in his best friend Henry's behavior, Jax reconsiders his priorities. To make matters worse, he has to interview like some old veteran for a school project and he's chosen his grouchy annoying neighbor, Mr. Nelson, who hasn't said a kind word to any of the Fletchers, has called the police on them and has no idea Jax wants to interview him! What's a kid to do?

Next in line is Eli who is very smart and knows it. He begged all summer to be allowed to attend the prestigious Pinnacle School. He can't wait to be among kids who want to learn as much as he does but Eli soon finds the reality is far from his expectations. It's a cool school... but... the kids are unfriendly and the mountain of work leaves little time for play!

The youngest and most overlooked Fletcher is Frog, given name Jeremiah. Little Frog is just turned 6 and eager to start Kindergarten and be with other kids. His overactive imagination is accepted in school but not always with his family. Frog can't wait to introduce the family to his new BFF, Ladybug Li, a girl with two moms and three sisters! Yet, the older family members doubt her existence! What are the odds of a girl named Ladybug with two moms and three sisters being in a class with a boy named Frog who has two dads and three brothers?! Frog KNOWS Ladybug is real. Can he convince the rest of the family or is Ladybug just as real as Frog's cheetah?

This is a fun story reminiscent of the old classics like The Moffats by Eleanor Estes. It's a family story told in short episodic adventures that occur through the school year. If it weren't for the excessive use of the slang word "sick" and references to technology, this story would have the same timeless feel as the mid-century classics like The Moffats and The Melendy Family. I got super tired of the boys describing everything as "sick". It dates the book too much. There's no other specific pop culture references, just phones, texts, e-mails and the musical Annie.

This family also happens to have two dads and be a family through adoption. The dads are very different but love their family and do the best they can. Dad, Tom Anderson, is a scatter brained professor. He's the one who takes some of the boys to school and picks them up. Papa is the ordered businessman. He works from home and needs his office free from children and pets so he can take important calls. Dad is the more fun parent who plays with the kids and encourages them to pursue their passions, take breaks and have fun. Papa, Jason Fletcher, has a much-loved sister Lucy, a chef and caterer, in New York. Through his e-mails we get to see his sense of humor at the chaos of the household and the important role Lucy plays in the boys' lives. She's a fun, indulgent auntie who understands the boys' desires and passions. I got confused as to which dad was which because they don't appear in the story very often and rarely together. They're doing their best to balance work and family the same as any other parents. It's not easy with 4 boys ages 6-12! I like how they're a multi-ethic, multi-racial, interfaith family. One dad is Jewish, one is Christian, one boy is Black and one was adopted from India so the dads celebrate ALL holidays so no one is left out. How fun! How exhausting!

Sam is a good kid. Sometimes he teases and is a bit mean to his younger brothers, especially Frog but mostly he is a good brother. Sam's role in the family seems to be peacemaker. As the oldest, he's in charge of telling the younger kids stories and keeping them away from Papa's office. At 12, Sam is figuring out who he is and who he wants to be. The answers surprise him and may surprise the young readers. If you're an athlete does that mean you're ONLY a jock or can you also be a theater geek and vice versa? Is theater really for nerds and losers?

The other older boys are figuring out who they are too. Eli is smart and curious. He enjoys learning for the sake of knowledge and is frustrated by the public school kids misbehaving, goofing off and not paying attention. Eli thinks he knows what he wants but he has to go on a journey and examine his feelings to find out what he really wants. He has a little help along the way from a summer friend and a surprising source. He's a sweet kid, the sensitive one and unlike his brothers, he is aware of the burdens he's placed on his family and doesn't want to upset his dads. They love him unconditionally though and none of the pressure to succeed is coming from them, just the money aspect and that troubles Eli. Eli is an intensely sympathetic character. I understand him completely and the pressures he faces. I also understand the work/life balance and it took me much longer than Eli to figure out what I wanted out of school. I hope his story helps young readers with their own educational journey!

Jax is a little overly concerned with being cool now he's in Upper El. He's Black but other than an Afro and brief mentions of celebrating Kwanzaa, it's not an issue. Jax goes through the usual tween friend drama that is common in girl books for this age group. I didn't know boys went through it too. There are mean boys as well as mean girls. The ones who want to be seen as cool so badly, they are hurtful to other kids who don't match up to their idea of "coolness." Jax's taste is friends is questionable. First there's girl trouble and then there's the mean boy factor. Jax is loyal to his big brother who loves Jax and accepts Jax as a friend as well as brother but should he also be loyal to his best friend since he was little? Henry sounds like a douchebag kid and I would say cut him loose but it's something Jax has to figure out on his own.

Jax is not a good communicator. He doesn't tell his dads what's going on in school or his teacher about what's happening with Mr. Nelson. The dads encourage the kids to practice diplomacy but everything Jax tries goes horribly wrong! I don't blame him for not talking to Mr. Nelson and I would have done the exact same thing.

Little Frog is charming and annoying at the same time. His imagination is quite active but it's harmless. Sure he has imaginary friends but now he's in school, he'll make real friends. I'm sure Ladybug is a real girl! She's mysterious and the mystery of who she is was fun to guess. Frog is so young and so small, his brothers dismiss him as insignificant but Frog has the kindest heart of all the boys. He's young enough to be innocent and have a giant heart. Unfortunately, his heart extends to animals, of which the family currently has two. Zeus is a giant, fat cat who does not appreciate Jeremiah's love and Sir Puggleston, who no one seems to like. Jeremiah longs for a kitten and a turtle! I think he's drawn to creatures smaller than him! He may grow up to be a veterinarian one day.

Mr. Nelson is a grouch. If he were a woman, the kids would label her a witch and run away. Mr. Nelson complains about balls in his yard, noise (of kids playing, music, parties), and the attempts at diplomacy. Yet, Jax knows a different side of Mr. Nelson, about Mr. Nelson's past and thinks Mr. Nelson is kind of cool. Are we adult readers to infer Mr. Nelson has PTSD from Vietnam and his aversion to noise and reluctance to discuss his service are because he wants to forget? It's unclear if that's the case but his story takes a surprising turn.

This is an enjoyable middle grades read for tweens. There are a few girl secondary characters but I think all kids can relate to the Fletcher boys. This would be a cute read aloud for younger readers like Frog's age and a good book for classroom discussion

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little middle grade book about four adopted sons living with their two gay dads next to a crabby old veteran.

[Alina Borger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fletchers are in the epicenter of the culture wars: a multi-faith family with two dads, three different ethnicities, and four adopted kids. And there are moments—when the whole family attends back-to-school night at Eli’s new school, for example—when that reality threatens to erupt into the novel.

But it doesn’t.

And that’s what makes Levy’s middle-grade debut so stunning. The family navigates Sam’s muddy leaps from soccer practice to musical rehearsals, Jax’s veterans project, Eli’s move to an academically-minded private school, and even little Frog’s new friend, Ladybug (Frog’s real name is Jeremiah, and everyone’s pretty sure Ladybug is imaginary). That they manage all of it while attempting to win over a grumpy new neighbor and cooking everything but the turkey on Thanksgiving—oops!—is simply par for the course.

With two dads and four boys, The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher is also 100% boy. In a genre dominated by stand-out heroines from today’s Penderwicks as far back as Judy Blume’s titular Margaret and even Anne of Green Gables, this is a welcome change that will appeal to parents, kids, and teachers.

Like any great family story, though, the best part about the Fletchers is the way they allow us to see ourselves differently, with greater capacity for love and kindness than we might ordinarily grant. Like The Brady Bunch once did, the Fletchers make the same mistakes real families make—but with a touch of humor that enables us to laugh and head back into the fray of the real world, changed.

Dana Allison Levy once called her story “writing about all the shenanigans,” and after reading The Misadventures, I hope she keeps on doing just that.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm pleased to realize that this book is the start of a planned series about a family that lives in New England. Not surprisingly, with four adopted boys ranging in age from six to twelve, two pets, and two fathers, one a teacher and one who works from home, there are all sorts of occasions for joy and anxiety. After all, that's what happens in most families, right? It's the little moments that matter--one-on- one time with a parent, creating family traditions or cooking a special holiday dinner but forgetting to prepare the main ingredient. Throughout the book each boy is dealing with some issue and trying to come to terms with the right way to respond. The sporadic exchanges with their new neighbor, Mr. Nelson, who seems determined to spoil all their fun and keenly dislikes all the noise and havoc caused by Sam, Jax, Eli, and Frog, add another layer of tension and humor to the story. After all, even Mr. Nelson, a Vietnam War vet, has his reasons for behaving as he does. Although the boys' two fathers have plenty of wisdom to share, they never intrude so much as to make the book didactic, and the author takes pains to portray them with some flaws. I liked how each chapter begins with a note or an email connecting to the chapter and the events in the boys' lives. This one should be popular with late elementary readers or even early middle graders. As I finished the book, I realized that I was glad that these are fictional characters. Despite their sweetness, I'd hate to live next door to the Family Fletcher.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes the chaos, fun, love, and laughter in a family of six. Four boys, all very different, along with their two fathers, a cat and a dog comprise the Family Fletcher and they are just as rambunctious as you would expect them to be.

I love that the fact that all of the boys were adopted and the dads are a single-sex married couple is handled in a matter-of-fact way. It is a big part if who they are as a fsmily, but not the main part of the plot.

I also love that each boy is allowed to pursue his own passions, within reason. The siblings argue and squabble as much as any group of brothers, but you can feel the love and support there just as much.

The challenges of having a grumpy old man as a neighbor are very real. I remember vividly the scoldings we'd get from our own 'Mr. Nelson' and I hope we didn't bother him too much with our noise and shenanigans.

And I can't say enough that I really, really enjoyed the fact that the story is set in Massachusetts. Cold, snowy winters and backyard ice hockey are part of my childhood, too, and I couldn't help but smile every time the author mentioned the Patriots. I have been a fan my whole life and cheer them on through thick and thin. Go Pats!

interesting quotes:

"Whether or not you agree with all the wars we've been in, the fact is that these soldiers have interesting stories." (p. 26)

"The closer you peer at a mystery, the further it recedes." (p. 164)

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[Monica Edinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed this for Horn Book concluding:

Focusing each chapter on one boy while still keeping the whole family in the picture, Levy provides a compelling, compassionate, and frequently hilarious look at their daily concerns. Family rituals such as each boy getting the meal of his choice on the first day of school are presented with warmth and humor. By book’s end readers will want to be part of (or at least friends with) this delightful family.

Also wrote on my HuffPo blog (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/monica-...
I was completely charmed by Dana Alison Levy's The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher. This episodic novel of a family of two dads and four adopted boys of various races is a delight. The boys are so real and their experiences funny, tender, and relatable. I've had it at school debating when to read it aloud to my class and am confident that it will be a success when I do. Here's a quote from my Horn Book review: "Levy provides a compelling, compassionate, and frequently hilarious look at their daily concerns. By book's end readers will want to be part of (or at least friends with) this delightful family."

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I. Love. This. Book. And not just because one of the characters has an imaginary cheetah named Flare.

Sam, Jax, Eli, and Frog live with their two dads in a small New England coastal town. Nobody cares that the kids aren't all the same race, nobody cares that they have two dads. The book follows the boys (in chapters of alternating perspectives) over the course of the school year as they deal with crabby neighbors, two-faced friends, and new schools. It's sweet, it's funny, and I can't wait to read more.

*****
Used in my Are You Kidding Me? book club, summer 2023. I don't think the kids laughed out loud, not like I did.

[Jami · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was on the display rack of the children's section of our library. I read the synopsis real quick and picked it up because I thought my 10 year old son would like a story about a family of 4 boys. Luckily I started reading it first...since it's a family with two "married" dads. That's all I'll say about it. When an author specifically targets children with the idea of making them think that homosexual relations are normal or fun or make for a happy family- I have a problem with that.