An Occasionally Happy Family

A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the messy, often frustrating reality of family life following a significant loss. It is a perfect fit for middle graders who feel like their family is falling apart or who are struggling to communicate with a parent who is processing their own grief. The story follows Theo, his sister, and their dad on a surprise camping trip to Big Bend National Park. While the premise sounds like a classic adventure, the heart of the book lies in the realistic friction between siblings and the awkward, sometimes painful attempts at reconnection. It is a deeply honest, often funny look at how families can be both broken and whole at the same time. This is an excellent choice for children aged 8 to 12 who appreciate humor but need to see their complicated feelings about family and grief reflected on the page.