Penny's Reviews and Chat

MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

Road Trip by Gary Paulsen and Jim Paulsen

Through my local digital library, I stumbled onto this little gem of a middle grade book, “Road Trip,” by Gary Paulsen, in collaboration with his son Jim Paulsen. I read that they worked on it from long distance, with Gary writing a section, then sending it Jim to continue the story. 

It’s a sweet story of a father and son heading out on a road trip to rescue a border collie puppy—along with their older border collie, Atticus. The dog has his own chapters and comments on what’s happening in the story. Father and son Ben are not in sync over family finances, so Ben invites Theo, an objectionable friend along on the trip.

Many things happen along the way to the puppy. The dad’s truck dies, so they borrow an ancient school bus accompanied by the garage owner/mechanic, Gus. Since they have a bus, they pick up another passenger, Mia and the plot takes off. I won’t spoil the fun except to say it is a fun, scary, but ultimately heartwarming, feel-good story. Relationships are formed, tested, changed, and grown. Road Trip is highly recommended for ages 10 to 12.

If you enjoyed Gary Paulsen’s other books, such as award-winning Hatchet, The River, Brian’s Winter, Brian Returns, Brian’s Hunt, you might enjoy Road Trip and the sequel, Field Trip. Information on author Gary Paulsen is at http://www.randomhousekids.com/brand/gary-paulsen/

Reviewed by:

Penelope  Anne Cole

Multi-Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea, plus Mágico Mateo (Spanish)

New: Magical Mea Goes to School

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Tag:

Road Trip, Gary Paulsen, Jim Paulsen, Ben, Theo, Mia, Gus, Dad, Mom, Atticus, Connor, friends, family, fights, hockey camp, houses, school bus, waitress, snacks, fun.