Hit the Road, Manny

This heartwarming and humorous chapter book follows young Keats Dalinger as his family embarks on an unexpected RV road trip with their beloved, flamboyant manny. Initially disappointed, Keats soon finds himself on an adventure that not only takes them across America, but also on a journey of self-discovery. The story explores themes of self-confidence through Keats's shyness and self-acceptance through the manny's struggle to gain approval from his own parents regarding his identity. It's a celebration of individuality, family bonds, and the courage to embrace who you are, all wrapped in a fun, fast-paced narrative.

Cue the pretend drum-roll: Keats's parents have a big surprise. No, they're not having a new baby. It's—wait for it, wait for it—a family road trip! Okay, so this is not exactly the birthday present Keats had in mind (no iPod?!), but when Dad parks a rented RV in the Dalinger's driveway, Keats piles in with the rest of his family—and the manny, of course—bound for the open road. From the big skies of farm country to the bright lights of Las Vegas, this, in typical manny fabulousness, is an all-American adventure filled with more Glamour-dos than Glamour-don'ts. But a stopover at the manny's childhood home is making the manny feel not so fabulous. Why can't his parents ever accept him for who he is? And Keats, at first, sees their point. Why does the manny always have to be so interesting? Hit the road for more manny shenanigans, where it's all about Elton John, Diet Coke, and being brave enough to be yourself.