About This Book
Reach for this book when your creative middle schooler is pushing back against authority or struggling to navigate the 'new normal' of life after a divorce. It is particularly helpful for children who feel like their world is being over-regulated while their parents are starting to date again. The story follows Cooper, an aspiring cartoonist forced into a strict scout troop to atone for a summer prank gone wrong. Through hilarious mishaps and the introduction of a rigid, ex-Marine scoutmaster, the book explores the tension between individual creativity and the necessity of teamwork. It balances slapstick humor with genuine emotional weight, making it an excellent choice for 8 to 12 year olds who feel misunderstood by the adults in their lives. Ultimately, it validates the child's need for autonomy while gently teaching the value of structure and shared responsibility.
