The Vacation by Polly Horvath

I picked up this book in the library a few weeks ago because I just don't know when to stop. I have a whole list of Summer Reading Thing titles and this one isn't on it. But when I go to the library, I can't seem to help coming out with more books than any sane person can read in three weeks. Anyway, I was scanning through the books in the adult fiction and I found this one shelved in the wrong place since it is labelled "juvenile". It turned out to be a pleasant mistake for me.

The story is narrated from a twelve year old boy's point-of-view. He is surrounded by a crazy cast of characters: from his mother who wants to be a missionary and contemplates joining the Mormons because she knows they have missionaries, to his two quarreling aunts, Mag and Pigg. When his mother and father leave for Africa, the aunts step in to babysit and the adventure begins. They decide to take a summer vacation and Henry is dragged along as they drive all over the United States.

I thought this book was delightful. The characters are well crafted and they are funny without being obvious about it. Polly Horvath has written a book for young adults that even us old adults can enjoy. I will definitely be looking up more books by this Newbery Honor author. And now, back to my real reading list...