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When I Hit the Road
From the award-winning author of This Journal Belongs to Ratchet comes an uplifting, hilarious, illustrated middle grade story about a girl on a madcap road trip. Told in journal entries, When I Hit the Road explores making unexpected friends, multigenerational relationships, and finding out that maybe journaling your adventures isn't so bad after all.
Samantha is not exactly excited to spend her entire summer vacation in Florida with her grandma. Or to have to write to her future self in the journal her mom insists she use. But it turns out that Gram has some not-so-boring plans up her sleeve…
Gram and her friend Mimi are going to audition for the Seniors Have Got Talent Karaoke Contest!
A road trip in Gram's new Mustang turns into a series of hilarious mishaps that flip Samantha's summer on its head, especially because, an unexpected person is sharing the a super cute, muscular, athletic-looking, dimple-faced, middle-school boy named Brandon.
It looks like her journal might be worth keeping after all because this summer will be one Samantha will never want to forget.
Follow along with Sam, Gram, Mimi and Brandon in all their road trip shenanigans,
A GIANT alligator and the grossest swamp mud you'll ever seeThe safe-haven Glory Bound Baptist Church (and cat burglar)The hilarious (and terrifying) Kooky Karaoke ContestThe Friendly Fill-up Gas Station (and the Restroom of Horror)And morePerfect for summer reading, middle school girls, and students grades 3rd to 8th that want a fun, lighthearted read!
Samantha is not exactly excited to spend her entire summer vacation in Florida with her grandma. Or to have to write to her future self in the journal her mom insists she use. But it turns out that Gram has some not-so-boring plans up her sleeve…
Gram and her friend Mimi are going to audition for the Seniors Have Got Talent Karaoke Contest!
A road trip in Gram's new Mustang turns into a series of hilarious mishaps that flip Samantha's summer on its head, especially because, an unexpected person is sharing the a super cute, muscular, athletic-looking, dimple-faced, middle-school boy named Brandon.
It looks like her journal might be worth keeping after all because this summer will be one Samantha will never want to forget.
Follow along with Sam, Gram, Mimi and Brandon in all their road trip shenanigans,
A GIANT alligator and the grossest swamp mud you'll ever seeThe safe-haven Glory Bound Baptist Church (and cat burglar)The hilarious (and terrifying) Kooky Karaoke ContestThe Friendly Fill-up Gas Station (and the Restroom of Horror)And morePerfect for summer reading, middle school girls, and students grades 3rd to 8th that want a fun, lighthearted read!
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2020
20 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Nancy J. Cavanaugh
7 books122 followersNancy J. Cavanaugh lives in the Chicago area with her husband, her daughter, and their adorable, five-pound Cockapoo. One of Nancy's favorite pastimes is eating pizza. She loves reading middle grade novels. Her secret? She hasn't read an adult book in years.
Nancy's newest novel, WHEN I HIT THE ROAD, is the story of Samantha's madcap road trip with a karaoke-loving grandma and a wild summer of memories that will last a lifetime.
Like one of her main characters, Ratchet, Nancy is pretty handy with a ratchet and is able to take apart a small engine and put it back together.
Like another of her main characters, Abigail, Nancy often struggled while growing up to find the courage to do the right thing. (She also fell in a HUGE parking-lot-sized puddle, just like Abigail did.)
Her third book, JUST LIKE ME was inspired by her daughter and is a fun, funny summer camp story of three Asian girls adopted from China by three different American families.
And Nancy's fourth book is a mystery, adventure story that takes place in the Okefenokee Swamp in the 1930's.
Nancy has been an elementary and middle school teacher as well as a library media specialist. One of her favorite parts of writing for children is being able to say "I'm working" when reading middle grade novels.
Nancy's newest novel, WHEN I HIT THE ROAD, is the story of Samantha's madcap road trip with a karaoke-loving grandma and a wild summer of memories that will last a lifetime.
Like one of her main characters, Ratchet, Nancy is pretty handy with a ratchet and is able to take apart a small engine and put it back together.
Like another of her main characters, Abigail, Nancy often struggled while growing up to find the courage to do the right thing. (She also fell in a HUGE parking-lot-sized puddle, just like Abigail did.)
Her third book, JUST LIKE ME was inspired by her daughter and is a fun, funny summer camp story of three Asian girls adopted from China by three different American families.
And Nancy's fourth book is a mystery, adventure story that takes place in the Okefenokee Swamp in the 1930's.
Nancy has been an elementary and middle school teacher as well as a library media specialist. One of her favorite parts of writing for children is being able to say "I'm working" when reading middle grade novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 29, 2020
Come join the Widow's Bucket List Karaoke Road Trip along with Samantha. There will be boxes full of Bibles in the trunk. Grandma's friend Mimi will also invite her grandchild Brandy along for the ride (awkward). On the trip Sam will experience car trouble, Florida wildlife sightings, lodging issues, bathroom access difficulties, meet a millionaire, and just maybe discover she has a talent after all. Told in journal format with Sam writing to her future self. Wacky, heartfelt, and entertaining. Hand this to kids who liked "The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise" by Dan Gemeinhart or "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Jabberwocky and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Jabberwocky and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for a review copy of this book.
When I Hit the Road is a middle grade novel that takes us on summer vacation with Samantha. Samantha is not excited about going to visit her grandmother at the retirement home for the summer, but when her mother has to leave their vacation for work and Samantha is left with her grandmother things get even more undesirable.. Samantha's grandmother decides to take her on a road trip to attend a karaoke contest along with her best friend Mimi and Mimi's cute grandson. Along the way they have some issues, they have some laughs and certain things happen. This story is sure to leave you with your heart warmed.
I thought this was a really sweet book. I really liked the heavy family aspect of this novel. We get to see growth within certain members of the family and it really adds to the novel as a whole. It's a really quick and easy read. The characters were all fun and easy to like. The writing was really good as well. I'd recommend this to anyone really. It is middle grade so that is something to take into consideration, however, it's got a really good message that everyone could stand to be reminded of sometimes.
When I Hit the Road is a middle grade novel that takes us on summer vacation with Samantha. Samantha is not excited about going to visit her grandmother at the retirement home for the summer, but when her mother has to leave their vacation for work and Samantha is left with her grandmother things get even more undesirable.. Samantha's grandmother decides to take her on a road trip to attend a karaoke contest along with her best friend Mimi and Mimi's cute grandson. Along the way they have some issues, they have some laughs and certain things happen. This story is sure to leave you with your heart warmed.
I thought this was a really sweet book. I really liked the heavy family aspect of this novel. We get to see growth within certain members of the family and it really adds to the novel as a whole. It's a really quick and easy read. The characters were all fun and easy to like. The writing was really good as well. I'd recommend this to anyone really. It is middle grade so that is something to take into consideration, however, it's got a really good message that everyone could stand to be reminded of sometimes.
November 28, 2020
Road trip story for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid style humor. Pair this with The Long Haul.
January 23, 2020
Samantha had a rough year in the sixth grade, and her summer isn't shaping up to be much better - instead of going to talent camps or workshops like her older sisters, Sam is accompanying her mom on a trip to Florida, to visit her Gram. Once at the senior condos, Gram reveals that the family is headed for a widow-bucket road trip, so Gram can fulfill her wish to audition in karaoke contests! Oh, and Gram's friend (plus a surprise guest) is also coming!
I really enjoyed this middle grade novel about the importance of family, unexpected treasures and hidden talents. I'm partial to stories about kids and their grandparents, and this one certainly didn't disappoint! The quartet's road trip was filled with zany mishaps and close calls, and I think a lot of readers will be able to relate to Sam, with both her hopes and insecurities.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebook Young Readers for an ARC.
I really enjoyed this middle grade novel about the importance of family, unexpected treasures and hidden talents. I'm partial to stories about kids and their grandparents, and this one certainly didn't disappoint! The quartet's road trip was filled with zany mishaps and close calls, and I think a lot of readers will be able to relate to Sam, with both her hopes and insecurities.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebook Young Readers for an ARC.
August 24, 2023
When I Hit the Road by Nancy J. Cavanaugh. Everything that had happened made all the other stuff they had been through on this trip seem like an amusement park ride full of thrills and excitement. Like I love the road trip and also the ending. Why do Endings always make me cry? Like I don't want to end the story first and they should make it series. This road trip felt like a TV reality show, drama, and a slapstick comedy. And all I can say is this has been the trip of a lifetime and I loved to share this one with everyone.
So, back to this book. I've found a title that closely matches the book I read last time. It's called "Smack dab in the middle of the "worst" and not maybe. Like I think it's just a coincidence but for me, it never happened before so lucky me. I like the four characters here which are Samantha, her Gram, Mimi, and Brandon. Samantha is not exactly excited to spend two whole weeks of her summer vacation in a Florida Condominium Complex with her gram. Or have to write Dear Me Letters to her future self. But it turns out this story is so good. Gram wants to sing in the Seniors Got Talent Karaoke Contest and that is how it all started the adventure. From Television-theme-song car sing-alongs to Kooky Karaoke Contest, this road trip is epic!
Ps. I also add my favorite quotes in this book
"You just wait until you’re seventy-seven. You’ll know then that you don’t have to be dying to realize you haven’t had the chance to do everything you always wanted to do.”
"Because even though this last half hour has been full of a roller coaster of emotions that I never saw coming"
"Sometimes people’s minds have a way of drastically changing even when we think there’s no chance they will."
"But either way, it doesn’t matter, because when I hit the road this summer, what turned out to be important was the ride itself."
"But somewhere along the way, I’m not even sure when the ups and downs of the trip started to change me"
So, back to this book. I've found a title that closely matches the book I read last time. It's called "Smack dab in the middle of the "worst" and not maybe. Like I think it's just a coincidence but for me, it never happened before so lucky me. I like the four characters here which are Samantha, her Gram, Mimi, and Brandon. Samantha is not exactly excited to spend two whole weeks of her summer vacation in a Florida Condominium Complex with her gram. Or have to write Dear Me Letters to her future self. But it turns out this story is so good. Gram wants to sing in the Seniors Got Talent Karaoke Contest and that is how it all started the adventure. From Television-theme-song car sing-alongs to Kooky Karaoke Contest, this road trip is epic!
Ps. I also add my favorite quotes in this book
"You just wait until you’re seventy-seven. You’ll know then that you don’t have to be dying to realize you haven’t had the chance to do everything you always wanted to do.”
"Because even though this last half hour has been full of a roller coaster of emotions that I never saw coming"
"Sometimes people’s minds have a way of drastically changing even when we think there’s no chance they will."
"But either way, it doesn’t matter, because when I hit the road this summer, what turned out to be important was the ride itself."
"But somewhere along the way, I’m not even sure when the ups and downs of the trip started to change me"
April 6, 2020
With the summer fast approaching I'm still holding out hope that my library's children's summer reading program will happen - either in the branches (fingers and toes crossed) or online due to Covid-19. In order to get ready for all those eager young readers, I've decided to spend some of my quarantine time reading junior fiction to provide my young readers lots of suggestions!
When I Hit The Road is a Middle Grade story that's a cute and quick read. It focuses on Samantha, a tween who's not eager to spend her summer vacation with her grandmother at her retirement community in Florida. But her Grandma surprises her with last minute road trip so she can compete in a senior’s karaoke competition. To make matters worse for Sam, Grandma's friend Mimi and Mimi's grandson, Brandon come along for the ride. Seeing how her summer has taken another downward turn, Sam decides to write letters to her future self to chronicle the trip and it's through these letters that the story is told.
This is a sweet story that shows some of the bumps and bruises multigenerational families face. I liked the quirkiness of the older women, but Brandon's character could have had more oomph. The plot touches on family issues but the tone remains fairly light with some mildly humorous situations added in.
When I Hit The Road is a cute story with a nice message that showcases the importance of family. Look for it May 5th!
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
When I Hit The Road is a Middle Grade story that's a cute and quick read. It focuses on Samantha, a tween who's not eager to spend her summer vacation with her grandmother at her retirement community in Florida. But her Grandma surprises her with last minute road trip so she can compete in a senior’s karaoke competition. To make matters worse for Sam, Grandma's friend Mimi and Mimi's grandson, Brandon come along for the ride. Seeing how her summer has taken another downward turn, Sam decides to write letters to her future self to chronicle the trip and it's through these letters that the story is told.
This is a sweet story that shows some of the bumps and bruises multigenerational families face. I liked the quirkiness of the older women, but Brandon's character could have had more oomph. The plot touches on family issues but the tone remains fairly light with some mildly humorous situations added in.
When I Hit The Road is a cute story with a nice message that showcases the importance of family. Look for it May 5th!
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
May 3, 2020
What a wonderful middle grade book from Nancy J. Cavanaugh. What happens when our main character Samantha is forced to go on a summer vacation road trip to see her grandmother? What about when that trip to see your grandmother just becomes with your grandmother? A perfect book for heading into summer, will make you remember those multi-generation memories perhaps from your own summers.
This book is wonderful realistic fiction for middle grade readers. The themes of family and growing into your own throughout this book. The journal entries are also great examples for students of how to write and document your life in situations that don’t always make sense at first.
The publisher Sourcebooks Young Readers generously provided me with a copy of the book upon request on NetGalley. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
This book is wonderful realistic fiction for middle grade readers. The themes of family and growing into your own throughout this book. The journal entries are also great examples for students of how to write and document your life in situations that don’t always make sense at first.
The publisher Sourcebooks Young Readers generously provided me with a copy of the book upon request on NetGalley. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
April 30, 2020
A charming middle grade road trip story told in journal-style entries. Through all the wacky road bumps and sentimental moments, I had so much fun riding along on this heart-warming adventure. I loved the way the author explored themes like family and living life to it's fullest all while maintaining a fun and upbeat story line that was truly a joy to read.
May 21, 2020
Samantha Is a rising seventh grader and the thought of spending summer vacation with her grandmother in Florida isn’t exactly what she considers a fun happening.
Nevertheless, she is pressured into visiting her recently widowed grandmother. Then the poor girl, learns that she will not only be staying with her feisty Grams, but will be riding along with her and her pickleball friend who is just as feisty. Grams is attempting to fulfil an item on her bucket list by singing karaoke.
And to top it all off, Mimi, the Pickle-ball friend is bringing her hunky eighth grade grandson, Brandon. I might also mention that Grams is driving her new Mustang
The foursome are about to embark on a very quirky tour of places NO ONE ever visits in Florida. Stops include... an alligator-infested road where their car breaks down, an empty church where they spend an uncomfortable night, a ramshackle cabin, the worst public restroom since indoor plumbing had been invented, a filthy not-barbecue joint.
Many of the stops are interrupted by anxious calls from Sam’s stressed-out, workaholic mom, who’s trying to maintain control of a seemingly gone-wild Gram.
This is a happy, fun read filled with wild, lighthearted adventures of a summer trip to remember.
The tale is written in journal entries adding to the fun of this book.
Nevertheless, she is pressured into visiting her recently widowed grandmother. Then the poor girl, learns that she will not only be staying with her feisty Grams, but will be riding along with her and her pickleball friend who is just as feisty. Grams is attempting to fulfil an item on her bucket list by singing karaoke.
And to top it all off, Mimi, the Pickle-ball friend is bringing her hunky eighth grade grandson, Brandon. I might also mention that Grams is driving her new Mustang
The foursome are about to embark on a very quirky tour of places NO ONE ever visits in Florida. Stops include... an alligator-infested road where their car breaks down, an empty church where they spend an uncomfortable night, a ramshackle cabin, the worst public restroom since indoor plumbing had been invented, a filthy not-barbecue joint.
Many of the stops are interrupted by anxious calls from Sam’s stressed-out, workaholic mom, who’s trying to maintain control of a seemingly gone-wild Gram.
This is a happy, fun read filled with wild, lighthearted adventures of a summer trip to remember.
The tale is written in journal entries adding to the fun of this book.
May 7, 2020
Doesn't a road trip sound like fun? You would think so, but Samantha is not looking forward to it. Samantha is always trying to impress her parents and sisters, all whom seem to excel at everything they do. Samantha tries one thing after another - tennis, dance, volleyball, cheerleading, soccer, acting, track, softball, and even art - Sam stunk at everything she tried. So since Sam had no plans for the summer she was roped into going with her mother to sunny Florida to her grandmother retirement home condominium. She is far from excited to visit a grandmother that she barely knows, much less spend time with her overbearing, workaholic mom. To make things even worse, her mom is forcing her to keep a diary, the Dear Me Journal, that her mom is promoting for her memory-making company, Make It Take It. Sam's summer vacation is going downhill fast! Things go from bad to worse when Sam's mother is called back to work for an emergency project and Sam is left with a grandmother she hardly knows, her Bible-loving friend, Mimi, and her grandson, Brandon (who by the way is gorgeously cool baseball superstar). Sam doesn't believe that things can go from worse to holy-cow-this-is-a-disaster but boy is she in for the surprise of her life! As Sam, Gram, Mimi, and Brandon set out on the adventure of a lifetime nothing seems to go right. As they take off on the backroad, swampy roads of Florida they encounter turtles that cause a wreck, alligators and swamp mud, breaking into a church, sleeping at an abandoned camp in a monsoon, and having to use the Restroom of Horror at the Friendly Fill-Up gas station. When things really get bad, Sam's Gram is rushed to the emergency room, not once but twice. Will Sam's Gram get to compete in the Seniors Got Talent Karaoke contest that is on her bucket list? Will anything go right on this trip? Will Sam be able to keep all of what is happening from her mom? And what will Sam do when she gets a phone call that something bad has happened at home? Will the diary that she is having to keep be a burden or be the one constant in her life? Read this incredibly funny book to find out the answers.
I just loved everything about this book! I had so much empathy for Sam because when I was growing up I never felt like I could find my talent either. She doesn't feel cool and she sure feels uncomfortable around super-cute boys (me again!). Nancy Cavanaugh has written an outstanding book about getting to know your family, finding unexpected friends, and exploring who you actually are what your true talents are. Do not miss this amazing book!!
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I just loved everything about this book! I had so much empathy for Sam because when I was growing up I never felt like I could find my talent either. She doesn't feel cool and she sure feels uncomfortable around super-cute boys (me again!). Nancy Cavanaugh has written an outstanding book about getting to know your family, finding unexpected friends, and exploring who you actually are what your true talents are. Do not miss this amazing book!!
Follow me:
Blog - Blazer Tales - https://blazertales.com/
Facebook - Laurie’s Library Place - https://www.facebook.com/LauriesLibra...
Instagram - laurieslibrary - https://www.instagram.com/laurieslibr...
Twitter - @laurieevans27 https://twitter.com/laurieevans27?lan...
Goodreads - Laurie Purser - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/auburngirl2...
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCulD...
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-ev...
May 8, 2020
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A BIG Thank You to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Young Readers for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of “When I Hit the Road” for my review.
What do you do when you get stuck in a crazy road trip with your karaoke loving grandma, her religious friend and a cute boy? I simple adored this book and thought it was the perfect light-hearted, humorous, middle grade novel. It is funny, crazy, emotional, and completely wacky. You have no idea where the story is heading and what is going to happen. I knew this book was going to be a wild ride as soon as the Grandmother mentioned ‘Widow’s Bucket List’.
The main character narrates the story through journal entries that Sam writes to her future self. Although telling stories through journal entries is not a new concept, I liked how her audience is her future self. The story has a lot of twists and turns that come out of no-where. It also has a few quirky, cute illustrations that complement the story along the way.
Sam is great as the main character. She is funny, awkward and so entertaining. The author wrote the supporting characters very nicely as well. I especially loved Mimi and thought she was adorable and hilarious. Initially Brandon felt clichéd, but I started to like him as well. I liked his friendship with Sam and how they had their ups and downs. I also loved the Grandmother’s carefree attitude and living life to the fullest. She was funny and inspiring in the story.
After reading this book, I want to definitely check out the author’s previous novels. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a breezy, feel good, light-hearted, summer read.
January 9, 2021
Hilarious first person account of a week spent in Florida on short road trip with her grandmother, grandmother's friend, and her grandson.
Samantha and her mother take a trip to FL to visit Sam's maternal grandmother. Sam's mother thinks that her grandmother should never have moved away from them and is looking for reasons to get her to move back to Illinois. When her mother's work interferers and Sam finds out that she is going on the road trip without her mother, she is not happy. When she finds out that Mimi and Brandy are also coming, she is even more unhappy. Then she finds out Brandy is a boy, her age, and she is filled with dread. What follows is a series of mishaps that are too funny to be real. Two sixth graders in a mustang with two 80 year old women on back roads in FL where anything can and will happen.
Told in letters Samantha writes to her future self. A funny, heartwarming story that will appeal to many readers.
Samantha and her mother take a trip to FL to visit Sam's maternal grandmother. Sam's mother thinks that her grandmother should never have moved away from them and is looking for reasons to get her to move back to Illinois. When her mother's work interferers and Sam finds out that she is going on the road trip without her mother, she is not happy. When she finds out that Mimi and Brandy are also coming, she is even more unhappy. Then she finds out Brandy is a boy, her age, and she is filled with dread. What follows is a series of mishaps that are too funny to be real. Two sixth graders in a mustang with two 80 year old women on back roads in FL where anything can and will happen.
Told in letters Samantha writes to her future self. A funny, heartwarming story that will appeal to many readers.
May 11, 2020
This was such a fun read. It's written in a journal format by Sam written to her future self. Two senior women, two teenagers, a Mustang, and an adventure down the back roads in Florida? Surely everything won't go as planned. There are so many twists and turns throughout their crazy summer road trip that it is just so humorous and emotional all at the same time.
This book is wonderful realistic fiction for middle grade readers. I can see this being a favorite summer read for several of my fourth graders. I adored this book!
This book is wonderful realistic fiction for middle grade readers. I can see this being a favorite summer read for several of my fourth graders. I adored this book!
September 7, 2020
ARC provided by Sourcebooks. Loved the story, not a huge fan of the writing style, especially the underlining.
April 16, 2020
I honestly loved this quick funny but honest look at life with senior citizens. First of all, I thought the construction of the book was interesting since each scene was an entry of a diary to Samantha's future self. Then Sam's voice rang very true to me, reminding me very much of my own daughter as a rising 7th grader who also liked to journal. The very humorous calamities that befall Sam, her grandmother, and others are not so over-the-top zany that they are unbelievable, but they are chuckle-worthy. Likewise, there are points in the book where my heart stopped for a moment because things got very tense. I've read in other reviews that these parts seemed too intense; however, I remember from my middle school years, I know from my own kids' adolescence, and as a middle school teacher that these events happen all too often, especially when dealing with grandparents. I thought those relationship moments of finding the joy in the kooky and the happiness in the crazy were the greatest part of this book.
July 25, 2020
If you can't go on a road trip because of Covid you should go along with Sam, her Gram, Gram's friend Mimi and Mimi's super cute grandson who is so out of Sam's league. But fasten your seat belt for this hilarious, what else could go wrong adventure.
June 3, 2020
Many thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Young Readers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was refreshing to find such a humorous book. This title will definitely appeal to reluctant readers. It is written from the protagonist's (Sam's, a girl) point of view through a journal. It is unique because the journal is written to her future self. This is just one of many avenues for humor to be woven into the story line. While there is a bit of seriousness- her grandmother dealing with the loss of her husband and searching for a new way of life on her own- it does not weigh down the hilariousness of the story. The backbone of the book centers on a family that is quite close, but does not always communicate well. The Sam's well-intentioned mother, wants what is best for her mother in this new phase of her life. Her mother wants her independence and does not want to be told what to do. Our protagonist is caught in the middle- instructed to watch out for her grandmother on a road trip that her mother can no longer attend. At the last minute, Sam discovers that her grandmother's friend's grandchild that is going with them is a boy and not a girl- a very cute- cool boy. This adds to all her anxiety and the road trip that ensues if fraught with one hilarious disaster after another. Sam has been a top vocabulary student during the past year so with unique word choices, a mountain of creative figurative language, and quirky rising action- this will be a favorite book title this coming year. The author is a former teacher and library media specialist, so I appreciate all the use of unique vocabulary words and figurative language. Students will have many opportunities to apply the reading concepts they are learning to this zany tale. I highly recommend for younger middle schoolers and upper elementary students. Teachers looking for models of figurative language and vocabulary building within an authentic reading text will be delighted. Having a light humored story line while at the same time modeling many of the literary techniques we teach our required curriculum, lands this book in a much needed place for school teachers and students. A bonus-highly appealing story for a wide range of readers. Many thanks to the author for a job well done!
July 22, 2020
Wonderful book. I enjoyed the characters and the plot and especially was delighted by the Dear Me format. Kept me interested from beginning to end and I don’t often say that about the books I read.
Read
July 4, 2021Samantha goes on the trip of a lifetime. Little did she know that this trip that she actually did NOT want to go on, would be one she would never forget because of her adventures and the fact that she is writing everything in her Dear Me Journal her mom gave her. This is one of her mom's projects she's been working on for her job. As the story is told through letters in this journal, the adventure only begins.
Sam's mother is absolutely frustrated that her mother (Sam's Gram) has moved to Florida to a senior living center. The plan is for Sam's mom to get her Grandmother to come back to Illinois, but a lot of road bumps happen. As Sam and her mother get acquainted with Gram's new "home" in Florida, they soon realize that it's not what they caked it up to be. Gram has more than good ole pickle ball planned for Sam and her mom. They are going on a road trip so Gram can audition for the Seniors Have Got Talent Karaoke Contest!
Welp, this road trip turns out to be a lot weirder than Sam expected. It was supposed to be her, Gram, Mimi (Gram's bestie), and her mom, but her mom got a last minute business call. Instead of mom coming, Mimi invited Brandy. Sam cannot believe how uncomfortable this trip is going to be, but now it got 100x worse. Brandy is a boy, a real cute boy. His real name is Brandon.
Along the way to the auditions the indescribable happens to this crew more than a handful of times. Thankfully Sam realizes that this journal is the best thing she's got to keep her sane.
What was so different about this book is that it was told solely through letters. Letters that were written by Sam and were directed to Sam's future self. I loved the humor embedded throughout the whole story. Gram and Mimi's personality was too funny; I couldn't control myself a few times. This story is all about treasuring those memories we so often forget. Students will love this crazy road trip!
Sam's mother is absolutely frustrated that her mother (Sam's Gram) has moved to Florida to a senior living center. The plan is for Sam's mom to get her Grandmother to come back to Illinois, but a lot of road bumps happen. As Sam and her mother get acquainted with Gram's new "home" in Florida, they soon realize that it's not what they caked it up to be. Gram has more than good ole pickle ball planned for Sam and her mom. They are going on a road trip so Gram can audition for the Seniors Have Got Talent Karaoke Contest!
Welp, this road trip turns out to be a lot weirder than Sam expected. It was supposed to be her, Gram, Mimi (Gram's bestie), and her mom, but her mom got a last minute business call. Instead of mom coming, Mimi invited Brandy. Sam cannot believe how uncomfortable this trip is going to be, but now it got 100x worse. Brandy is a boy, a real cute boy. His real name is Brandon.
Along the way to the auditions the indescribable happens to this crew more than a handful of times. Thankfully Sam realizes that this journal is the best thing she's got to keep her sane.
What was so different about this book is that it was told solely through letters. Letters that were written by Sam and were directed to Sam's future self. I loved the humor embedded throughout the whole story. Gram and Mimi's personality was too funny; I couldn't control myself a few times. This story is all about treasuring those memories we so often forget. Students will love this crazy road trip!
July 13, 2020
Fans of Louisiana’s Way Home and Far From Fair will really enjoy this book.
Samantha and her mom head down to Florida because her mom wants to convince Sam’s grandmother to move closer to them. Samantha and her grandmother end up on a karaoke road trip.
I loved Samantha’s voice. I found her voice to be incredibly relatable and funny. I often found myself laughing out loud. I also really liked that this book was printed to look like Samantha’s journal.
Thank you to Nancy J. Cavanaugh for sharing her book with #BookAllies in exchange for an honest review.
Samantha and her mom head down to Florida because her mom wants to convince Sam’s grandmother to move closer to them. Samantha and her grandmother end up on a karaoke road trip.
I loved Samantha’s voice. I found her voice to be incredibly relatable and funny. I often found myself laughing out loud. I also really liked that this book was printed to look like Samantha’s journal.
Thank you to Nancy J. Cavanaugh for sharing her book with #BookAllies in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2020
This was a really cute quick read. It was a great story about the importance of family and it made me think a lot about my relationship with my family members. I enjoyed being able to see the struggles of everyone in the story, not just Sam. I thought the scene where Sam found her grandmother crying to a picture of her grandfather was so heartfelt and emotional and I love that I was able to see that side of other characters. I personally didn't really care for Mimi's grandchild; I just felt like he didn't add too much to the story. I think he could've been developed a little more to make him a lot more fun and interesting.
Overall though, I enjoyed reading this!
Overall though, I enjoyed reading this!
July 9, 2020
Samantha's mom has never accepted the fact that her mother, Sam's Gramma, has moved from Illinois to Florida and is living life to the fullest in a retirement community. Under the guise of a work related trip, she intends to visit Gramma, and find evidence that her mother is incapable of living alone. She is also bringing Samantha, her youngest daughter, and she insists she journal in her company's product, Dear Future Me notebook. Gramma is busy fulfilling her Widow Bucket List, which includes competing in the Senior s Got Talent Karaoke Contest. Of course, to qualify for the contest, Gram needs to compete in karaoke contests across Florida. So the road trip begins with Gram at the wheel of her spiffy convertible, her friend Mimi as copilot, and Mimi's grandson Brandy, and Sam. In the back seat. There is one mishap after another, but it is one fulfilled road trip. Definitely recommend.
June 8, 2020
The perfect summer escape for middle school readers, especially since our travel options are more limited this year. This story of a grandmother-grandaughter road trip around Florida is light on the surface with silly situations and characters, but the story has depth. I enjoyed how Sam's opinions about her grandmother changed and how she came to appreciate her grandmother and the two other characters (another elderly woman and her grandson) in the course of their travels. What makes it even more meaningful is that all four characters are changed by the bonds that they have created. Many times when the grandparent relationship is explored in middle grade, it is a prelude to dealing with loss (also an important issue) however, this story is a joyous tale of building mutual respect. I also felt the ending tied up all the parts well and was satisfying.
June 5, 2020
I enjoy when Nancy Cavanaugh writes in different formats - it appeals to readers who might need something different than chapters. This particular one is written in a diary format, the main character writes letters to her future self that details what is happening on her crazy road trip. Readers will get hooked into reading when they see the words "I can't believe this happened" - you just have to find out more!
February 8, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
This book was super cute. It reminded me a little bit of Walk Two Moons with the journey and a lot of other middle grade books for the easy readability, fun characters, and nice lesson/growth of the main characters.
Quite enjoyable and one I will recommend to my 6th graders for sure.
This book was super cute. It reminded me a little bit of Walk Two Moons with the journey and a lot of other middle grade books for the easy readability, fun characters, and nice lesson/growth of the main characters.
Quite enjoyable and one I will recommend to my 6th graders for sure.
June 4, 2020
I loved this story, it was so cute because the main character loved writing little notes and I like to do that too. I loved how the story was written and the crazy grandma. She made me miss mine. This would be a great book for readers who are traveling for the Summer or even those who aren't. I loved it! ~Reviewed by Anarece (9 year old)
February 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! I loved all of the characters and the grandma was the best. I loved her adventure and the letters to herself. I couldn't believe the predicaments that they got into on their road trip, but I laughed at their misfortune.
May 20, 2020
This was way more "disaster movie" than I expected (it kind of reminded me of the movie Are We There Yet) and I don't like main characters who act angry for no reason, but road-trip books are still a favorite.
June 11, 2020
What a sweet and fun middle grade read!! I'll be recommending this to many customers once we reopen, it's a fast read and very believable. I also adore the writing style, I'm always here for novels written in journal format.
October 23, 2022
Not quite what I expected after months of anticipation, with a lot more disasters along the way and a sudden sharp turn into some heavy stuff near the end, but still enjoyable. I loved the framing of the story being written as Dear Future Me letters based on a product her mom developed at work. The illustrations sprinkled throughout like embellishment stickers also made the story fun to read, although the concept of replicating notebook paper -- so that all the text appeared faintly underlined -- was unnecessary and made for a bit of a headache.
Also, Brandon didn't need to be in this story. At minimum, he didn't need to be a boy. Nothing instantly angers me more than the YA Contemporary standard of "girl cannot do anything, no matter how short the time period or how small the circle of people she interacts with, without running into A Cute Boy" being replicated one age group down, even if nothing really happens between them. The girl occasionally getting flustered is enough to annoy.
Also, Brandon didn't need to be in this story. At minimum, he didn't need to be a boy. Nothing instantly angers me more than the YA Contemporary standard of "girl cannot do anything, no matter how short the time period or how small the circle of people she interacts with, without running into A Cute Boy" being replicated one age group down, even if nothing really happens between them. The girl occasionally getting flustered is enough to annoy.
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