Absolutely Normal Chaos
Mary Lou is less than excited about her assignment to keep a journal over the summer. Boring! Then cousin Carl Ray comes to stay with her family, and what starts out as the dull dog days of summer quickly turns into the wildest roller-coaster ride of all time. Named one of the New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing! First Crush: From awkward conversations at the pool to the nerve-wracking chaos of holding hands for the first time, Mary Lou’s diary entries perfectly capture the fizz and panic of a first crush on Alex Cheevey. Summer Journal Format: Read along with thirteen-year-old Mary Lou’s hilarious and private summer journal, filled with sarcastic observations, secret thoughts, and footnotes on her crazy, "absolutely normal" life. Dealing with Grief: When a friendly new neighbor suddenly passes away, Mary Lou must navigate her confusing feelings about life and death for the very first time. Heartwarming Family Story: When her quiet, mysterious cousin Carl Ray comes to stay, Mary Lou’s already chaotic home gets turned completely upside down, leading to a summer she will never forget.