Reading Metrics
Description
Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen is a science-loving girl who collects rocks and tries to understand how the world works. When her family plans a vacation to the Grand Canyon, Samantha must learn to control her temper in order to go. She also grapples with bigger questions about her family, including why her mother refuses to talk about her father who died when Samantha was very young. The book explores Samantha's relationships with her bossy older sister and her struggles with grief and family secrets.
Quick Summary
This book mixes a road trip to the Grand Canyon with a personal mystery about Samantha's late father that feels like peeling back layers of a secret her mom has kept for years. Kids will root for Sam as she deals with embarrassing school moments, tries to manage her fiery temper, and slowly uncovers the truth about why her mom goes quiet whenever her father gets mentioned. If your kid likes the emotional depth of Wonder or the family road-trip chaos of the Magic Tree House series, they'll fall in love with Sam's journey. Ideal for kids ages 8-12 in grades 3-6 who enjoy stories about family secrets, personal growth, and unforgettable summer adventures.