Drive Me Crazy

by Terra Elan McVoy

Overview

A tween rivalry-turned-friendship story bursting with humor and heart—perfect for fans of Lisa Graff and Lynda Mullaly Hunt.

Lana and Cassie have met only once before, at the wedding of Lana’s Grandpa Howe and Cassie’s Grandma Tess two months ago. The two girls couldn’t be more different, and they didn’t exactly hit it off—but they’re about to spend an entire week together for their grandparents’ honeymoon, road-tripping from California to Maine in the backseat of a Subaru.

It’s going to be a disaster.

Told in alternating chapters between Cassie and Lana, Drive Me Crazy shows that even though friendship can be a bumpy road, it just might change your life for the better.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062322449
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/10/2016
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	908,624
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.60(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Terra Elan McVoy has held a variety of jobs centered on reading and writing, from managing an independent bookstore to answering fan mail for Captain Underpants. She lives in the same Atlanta neighborhood where many of her acclaimed YA novels are set.

Editorial Reviews

Two very different girls in a car together with show tunes and wacky pit stops plus lots of desert make for a pretty sweet friendship story. Steer this towards fans of Lisa Graff’s Umbrella Summer and those drawn to books with plenty of heart.

Booklist

A trek across the continent evolves into a journey of personal growth in this affecting book.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Two very different girls in a car together with show tunes and wacky pit stops plus lots of desert make for a pretty sweet friendship story. Steer this towards fans of Lisa Graff’s Umbrella Summer and those drawn to books with plenty of heart.” — Booklist

“A lighthearted road trip story with a lot of middle school appeal.” — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

Two very different girls in a car together with show tunes and wacky pit stops plus lots of desert make for a pretty sweet friendship story. Steer this towards fans of Lisa Graff’s Umbrella Summer and those drawn to books with plenty of heart.

Booklist

03/01/2015
Gr 6–8—Two months ago, Lana's Grandpa Howie married Cassie's Grandma Tess (Nono). The girls didn't quite hit it off, but as they're accompanying their grandparents on their California road trip honeymoon, Lana hopes that they'll soon be great friends. Cassie, on the other hand, just wants to get through the trip as best as possible. She quickly realizes that maybe Lana isn't so bad, and they begin a tentative friendship. Both girls are struggling emotionally: Lana is pretending that her mother's recent health issues are not bothering her, and Cassie is obsessed with keeping the popular kids as her friends. Eventually, the girls have to face their own truths: Cassie's friends are not really her friends, and Lana's mother is seriously ill. A spur of the moment trip to Maine to catch a Magic Moment finally allows the protagonists to understand what each is dealing with and solidify their friendship. Problems are relatively easily dealt with, and the messages of true friendship and communication will resonate with many readers. VERDICT Despite some heavy topics, this is a lighthearted road trip story with a lot of middle school appeal.—Kefira Phillipe, Nichols Middle School, Evanston, IL

School Library Journal

2015-01-10
New cousins Lana and Cassie embark upon a road trip with their recently married grandparents and with very different attitudes.Lana is excited to accompany her Grandpa Howe and his new wife on their honeymoon excursion and get a chance to befriend Cassie. However, Cassie would far prefer to stay home and foster her social connections with the ultracool Kendra. Initially, Cassie rebuffs Lana's eager overtures, going so far as to make rules for the trip governing their interactions. Still, there are moments when Cassie lets go of her superior attitude, and the girls begin to forge a connection. McVoy's tale examines the nature of friendship. Alternating chapters give each girl's perspective on the journey, delving into their personal struggles and revealing their vulnerabilities. Cassie's increasing desperation as she attempts to maintain her social standing with Kendra's clique highlights the pressure and intensity of middle school social issues. McVoy also thoughtfully explores the impact of a parent's health problems on a child. With compassionate insight, she addresses Lana's feelings of abandonment and anxiety as her parents attempt to shield her from her mother's serious illness. When their trip culminates in a visit to the aptly named "End of the Road," both girls discover the support and strength found in friendships. A trek across the continent evolves into a journey of personal growth in this affecting book. (Fiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews