A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation
Author: Pablo Cartaya
Grief-stricken 13-year-old Gonzalo reluctantly joins a road trip with his estranged abuelo and famous fantasy-writer on the final tour to promote his best-selling book series.
Our Young Reviewer Says:
What I loved about A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation was how deeply it resonated with me. The road trip setting wasn’t just a backdrop—it felt like a mirror to my own life. Every year, my family takes a long road trip, and those hours in the car are some of my favorite moments. No distractions, just laughter, stories, and quiet togetherness. So when Gonzalo and his grandfather Alberto hit the road, I was instantly hooked.
The emotional layers in this book are beautifully done. Gonzalo’s grief over his father and Alberto’s haunted past aren’t just plot points—they’re raw, real, and handled with care. I especially admired how Cartaya used storytelling as a way to heal and connect. It reminded me that sometimes, sharing a story is the bravest thing we can do. The characters? Unforgettable.
Gonzalo’s introverted charm and Alberto’s gruff tenderness made them the perfect odd couple. Their banter, their silences, their growth—it all felt authentic. And the way Spanish was woven into the dialogue added richness and cultural depth that I really appreciated. Was this book special? Without a doubt. It wasn’t just a summer adventure—it was a heartfelt exploration of family, memory, and the stories that shape us. It made me reflect on my own relationships and the quiet magic of time spent together.
–Riya, age 13, Mumbai, India
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See our Monthly Picks Archive 2012–2018, and our Monthly Picks 2019–present.