A review by mrskatiefitz
How to Avoid Extinction by Paul Acampora

5.0

Ever since his grandfather died, Leo has been charged with looking after his grandmother, who wanders off at will and seems lost and sad. When Gram decides to take an impromptu road trip across the country with Leo's cousin, Abbey, to fulfill a ridiculous quest to see some dinosaur fossils, Leo tries to put a stop to it, but finds himself reluctantly tagging along instead. As they travel, Leo begins to learn all the missing details about his own life, including the father he never met, and he and Gram both finally say goodbye to the grandfather and husband they lost. Acampora's I Kill the Mockingbird didn't quite work for me, but this book hits all the right notes: a completely lovable protagonist, lots of heart and humor, unexpected detours and new friendships, and familial bonding. Though some of the events of the story are a little wacky, the emotions are very real, and the characters' dialogue is spot on. This book is likely to appeal most to middle schoolers, especially those looking for something funny and different.