Kevin Henkes who is known for his picture books, has written this chapter book for a 8-12 audience. The main character, Alice, spends each February vacation in Florida with her parents (they live in Wisconsin) renting the same cottage on the beach. Although an only child, Alice looks forwadr to seeing the renters of the other cottages each year whom she considers a sort of extended family. This year is special because she is turning 10 years old during the vacation. However, upon their arrival it seems that several of the yearly renters will not be joining them as usual and Alice is unhappy. It doesn’t look like the week will be full of the promise she had hoped. Then her mother’s best friend calls to say she will not be coming alone as usual, but bringing a boyfrind and his young daughter. As Alice navigates the week’s changes, she matures and learns to sympathize with her company and find happiness despite the unwanted changes.
