2024 MISSISSIPPI MAGNOLIA BOOK AWARD Nominee
"[S]cary, thrilling, and eye-opening ... An engaging and enlightening travel account about a family's global journey." -Kirkus Reviews
"A unique and engaging way for readers to learn about different countries, cultures, and points of view." -School Library Journal
"[A]n enticing global travelogue led by teenagers ..." -Foreword Reviews
"[B]rilliantly captures the awkward hilarity of teen/family travel while highlighting the gift of a global worldview ... sprinkled with humor, moments of discovery, and appreciation for diversity and cultural awareness." -Rachel Macy Stafford, New York Times Bestselling Author and Certified Teacher
"I laughed. I cried. I was scared. This book taught me so much. Geography, culture, religions, and customs I never knew existed." -J. Isbell, sixth grade social studies teacher
"This book changed my family's life." -Dr. Robin Mahlow, family physician and homeschool mom
"The narration through the sisters makes it as engaging as it is educational." -A. Colby, eighth grade language arts teacher
"THIS BOOK!! Inspiring. Fun. Educational. Page Turner." -C. Wertheimer, former middle school teacher
"[P]acked with harrowing travel tales and hilarious anecdotes ... that will inspire teens and tweens to see the world from a different perspective." -C. Waddell, sixth grade social studies teacher
04/29/2022
Gr 5 Up—Travel the world with the McIntyre family exploring 12 countries and experiencing sights, cultures, and customs around the world. When their parents tell eighth grader Delaney and seventh grader Riley they would be taking them out of school for five months for a global adventure, their reactions are mixed. Riley is excited for the experience while Delaney is disappointed to miss parties and school dances while having to spend 24/7 with her family. Each McIntyre is only able to pack one suitcase, and some of the countries they visit include Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia. At each stop they learn about the culture, try the local cuisine, and go on adventures, such as bungee jumping or scuba diving. The places they stay in range from fancy enough to have their own room to sharing a bed and having to use an outhouse. As they travel, the girls homeschool, read selected books related to the countries they are traveling to, and contribute to blog posts about their adventures. The family is white and they interact with people of a variety of races throughout their travels. The book is peppered with color photos from their travel, and each chapter begins with a map of the featured country and concludes with passport lessons and a report card listing their best and worst parts of visiting the country. There are discussion questions in the back matter. VERDICT A unique and engaging way for readers to learn about different countries, cultures, and points of view.—Sarah Polace
