This Way to Happy by Alison Green Myers

What worked:

The entire Rhoades family is still feeling grief following the grandfather’s death. The death was sudden and unexpected, and Reilly has constant, painful reminders as she moves about the fairgrounds. The grandparents have run the campground and fair for fifty years, and the family has been pitching in to keep things going. The grandmother is dedicated to honoring her husband, as highlighted by the painstaking care she takes while making handmade caramel apples. Her future happiness develops into an issue. Reilly’s mother works hard to support the grandmother’s efforts, but it creates feelings of animosity.

Reilly and Nic are cousins, and they’re almost inseparable. Readers are inside Reilly’s mind, as she’s taking her grandfather’s death especially hard. Nic encourages Reilly to help her cope with hard times, especially when their mothers begin feuding. However, Alex’s introduction infuses much-needed energy into the story. His character is a whirlwind of emotions and activity, and many of the other characters find it difficult to keep up. He inspires Reilly to overcome her fears and pursue her dreams, including one last project to honor her grandfather, “The next big thing”. “Stinking thinking” is a frequently used term for complaints and small ideas.

Alex also contributes humor and additional, serious emotions to the story. His parents are divorced, and he’s spending two weeks at the campground with his mom, her boyfriend, and a new baby sister. Alex complains about his sister’s stink and crying, and he becomes angry when the boyfriend acts like a dad. Alex resents that he can’t spend more time with his real dad, as they apparently have very similar personalities. His dad used to be in a band, and Alex frequently thinks of new band names as things happen in the story. He comes up with Epic Boredom and the Pooping Baby and then breaks into air guitar. Readers never know what to expect from him. He’s self-described as “Alex. Age twelve. Male. Older brother. Cat lover. S’mores hater… I talk a lot…”

What didn’t work as well:

The conflict between Reilly’s mom and her Aunt Caroline escalates very quickly. Her grandmother’s medical emergency ignites it, but readers may not be prepared for its intensity. Readers might expect Nic to have a larger role in the story, but she leaves early on with her mom.

The final verdict:

Emotions and feelings are significant elements in the plot, as characters navigate grief, anger, and uncertainty. Alex’s infusion of energy and humor balances the seriousness of the story. Overall, I recommend you try the book for yourself.