Joey the Good

Twelve-year-old Joey’s plans to be a movie- and soccer-watching “couch king” during summer break are shattered by the arrival of his aggravatingly perfect and athletic 17-year-old cousin Leo. Being around Leo means being constantly reminded of the sudden death of their beloved Italian-born grandfather, Nonno, two years ago—an event that spurred Leo to pursue lofty goals while Joey froze, blaming himself for Nonno’s death. Joey’s resentment skyrockets when Leo asks, and Joey’s mother requires, that Joey spend the summer hiking around Southern California as training for a difficult 22-mile trek on what would have been Nonno’s birthday. Even as Joey grudgingly befriends fellow hikers—and starts to enjoy the activity—he ponders the real reason behind Leo’s request that Joey accompany him and wonders how to be of help. Experienced hiker Fry (Secrets of the Book) presents a heartfelt exploration of grief, guilt, and family bonds upheld by complicated and realistically rendered emotions, and an appropriately untidy resolution. Ages 10–15. Agent: Samantha Wekstein, Thompson Literary. (May)