Books › Good things come in small packages
Good things come in small packages
First published 2003 · 121 pages
A chaotic, funny, and deeply relatable diary-style romp through the awkwardness of family vacations and new friendships.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sneaking a peek into the private, hilarious, and deeply relatable thoughts of a creative middle-schooler. The diary format makes the pages fly by at a brisk pace, immersing the reader in a lighthearted but chaotic atmosphere of family camping trips and the delicate dance of making a new friend. It perfectly captures that specific pre-teen anxiety of wanting everything to go perfectly while dealing with embarrassing siblings and unpredictable outdoorsy mishaps. The conversational prose is peppered with dramatic flair and earnest observations, creating a cozy, comforting reading experience. It is an absolute delight for young readers who crave everyday, grounded stories about navigating the awkward, funny, and ultimately rewarding hurdles of growing up.
- Mood
- lighthearted
- chaotic
- cozy
- outdoorsy
- Tone
- humorous
- relatable
- earnest
- dramatic
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- navigating new friendships · family dynamics · stepping out of comfort zones · pre-teen awkwardness
- The writing
- Conversational and highly accessible, utilizing a diary format interspersed with quotes and expressive observations.
- The arc
- Moves from anxious anticipation and social awkwardness to comfortable acceptance and newfound confidence.
- Who it's for
- Middle-grade readers who love relatable, everyday school and family drama featuring a creative, slightly anxious protagonist.
Content notes
- mild sibling bickering
About the book
Abby's family is going camping, and Abby is allowed to bring a friend. She decides to invite a new girl in town, but can any friendship survive a week in a campsite with the Hayeses?
Description from Open Library.
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