Reality proves more epic than fantasy in this family road trip story starring a reluctant young hero and his curmudgeonly grandfather.Gonzalo Alberto Sánchez García has never considered himself the hero of his own story. He’s an observer, quietly snapshotting landscapes and drawing the creatures he imagines emerging from them. Forced to spend the summer with his estranged grandfather, Alberto William García—the very famous reclusive author—Gonzalo didn’t expect to learn that heroes and monsters are not only the stuff of fantasy.
But that’s precisely what happens when Gonzalo’s CEO mother, Veronica, sends Alberto on tour to promote the final book in his fantasy series for children and Gonzalo must tag along, even though he feels no connection to his grandfather or the books. Together, they embark on a cross-country road trip from Mendocino to Miami in a classic 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible named Mathilde. Over the course of ten epic days on the highway, they will slay demons, real and imagined; confront old stories to write new ones; and learn what it truly means to show up for your family.
On sale: May 6, 2025
Age: 8-12 years
Grade: Grades 3-7
Page count: 288 Pages
ISBN: 9780451479754
Pablo Cartaya is a sought-after speaker, actor, educator, and the award-winning author of
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora, Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish,
Each Tiny Spark,
The Last Beekeeper, and
Curveball. Learn more about Pablo at PabloCartaya.com and follow him online @PHCartaya.
Praise for A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo Cartaya:
★ “A touching intergenerational road trip epic that juxtaposes heavy themes surrounding loss with
playful yet sophisticated interpretations of artistic integrity.”
—
Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Cleverly structured and sweetly
engaging.”
—
Kirkus Reviews
★ “Cartaya weaves
humor, heartbreak, and a host of literary tropes and techniques into this
complex tale of three grieving road trippers.”
—
Booklist, starred review