During the Fletchers’ annual August island vacation, Frog, the youngest, is determined to teach one of their cats to swim. Middle child Eli wants to overcome his fear of kayaking. Sam, the oldest, gets the role of Puck with the local theater group. And Jax, the same age as Eli, makes a new friend in Alex, who is staying next door. There’s a mystery here, with a cheesy, over- the-top villain, but the heart of the story is its relationships. A harsh truth is also revealed when Jax, who is African American, and Alex, who is Latina (and also, to Jax’s surprise once he realizes it, a girl) are accused of theft. The island’s inhabitants and vacationers are predominantly white and it’s clear the kids were targeted because of their brown skin. It’s Jax’s first encounter with overt racism, a sobering, staggering incident that leaves him shaken. Making it even worse is the realization that no matter how much Papa and Dad love and support him, they can’t truly understand what he’s feeling because they’re white. The honesty of the discussion, and the difficulty of this realization for all of them, is beautifully handled in a book full of warmth, but also humor and light. (Ages 7–10)

Love the TV show Modern Family? Wait until you meet the family Fletcher! With two dads, four adopted brothers, two cats, and one pug, the Fletchers will have you laughing out loud!

Welcome to Rock Island, Where Time Stands Still!

The Fletchers are back on Rock Island, home of all their best summer memories. But from the first day they arrive, it's clear that this year, things have changed. FIRST, a giant fence is blocking their beloved lighthouse. SECOND, they have new neighbors. THIRD, who the heck is the weird artist guy who's never actually painting? And FOURTH, there's now an ice cream truck! Can the island stay the same even with these crazy transformations?

Over the course of the summer, the Fletchers will learn that sometimes, even in a place where time stands still, the wildest, weirdest, and most wonderful surprises await.

A JLG Selection!

"There is constant action and delightful humor, but there are also realistic present-day problems and happy solutions. An old-fashioned summer adventure set in a very modern world, this lively family tale will leave readers impatient for more. "--Kirkus, Starred

"While the other story lines reach satisfying resolutions, this one-- about a young African American male struggling to figure out his identity in the largely white landscape of Rock Island--leaves room for thought-provoking, timely discussion.--Horn Book

"A must-have middle grade family story with contemporary sensibilities."--SLJ, Starred

"Lots of kids will want to take this along on their summer vacations."--Booklist