Families who loved The Last Great Getaway of the Water Balloon Boys by Scott William Carter often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the emotional weight of a loved one's decline or feeling trapped by the expectations of being a good kid. It is a powerful choice for families navigating the transition of a grandparent into assisted care or those dealing with a teen who uses humor and rebellion to mask deep-seated grief and a desire for connection. The story follows a group of boys who break their grandfather out of a nursing home for one final, chaotic road trip. While the premise is fueled by adventure and humor, the heart of the narrative explores the difficult reality of saying goodbye and the redemptive power of making amends. It offers a safe space for teens to process the sadness of aging and the importance of family loyalty without being overly sentimental.
