Hot Mess

Gr 3-7–When Gramma’s only birthday wish is that the entire extended family go on a trip to their childhood vacation spot without her, Greg finds himself crammed into a one-bathroom beach house with 12 people and a very snooty celebrity dog. As Greg’s mom tries valiantly to engage everyone in stifling lighthouse tours and heated board game nights, the trip quickly devolves into a literal hot mess of sisterly squabbles, last-ditch sleeping arrangements, food fights, and even a family trip to jail. Kinney’s trademark illustrations add comedic subtext to Greg’s hapless stream-of-consciousness narration, and readers will both laugh at and sympathize with his plight. Additionally, readers will find plenty of laughs in familiar chaos agents like Uncle Gary, Rodney, and the twins. There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking in this latest installment, but why “mess” with a good thing? Kids will be excited to read about Greg’s latest woes.