Reading Metrics
Description
When Marley's parents separate, she's sent to spend the summer at her dad's new house and pressured into taking a babysitting job she doesn't want. To make matters worse, her best friends seem to be pulling away just when she needs them most. Everything feels uncertain until she meets a cute boy who loves dogs as much as she does.
Quick Summary
If you're looking for a summer story that mixes laugh-out-loud moments with the messy feelings of a changing family, "Water Balloon" hits the spot. Marley gets stuck spending the whole summer with her dad, forced into a job she never wanted, but things pick up when she meets a boy who's just as crazy about dogs as she is, and their summer becomes a series of water-balloon battles, dog-walking mishaps, and honest conversations about what family really means. The book is perfect for readers who enjoy realistic middle-grade stories with a sweet romance and a dash of humor, especially those who have ever felt caught between two parents. Parents will appreciate the way the story balances light-hearted fun with real-world topics like divorce and responsibility, making it a good conversation starter for families. If you've liked other middle-grade books about summer adventures and first crushes, like "The Great Summer" or "The One and Only Ivan," you'll find this one just as satisfying.