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About The Book

Cue the pretend drum-roll: Keats's parents have a big surprise. No, they're not having a new baby. It's—wait for it, wait for it—a family road trip!

Okay, so this is not exactly the birthday present Keats had in mind (no iPod?!), but when Dad parks a rented RV in the Dalinger's driveway, Keats piles in with the rest of his family—and the manny, of course—bound for the open road. From the big skies of farm country to the bright lights of Las Vegas, this, in typical manny fabulousness, is an all-American adventure filled with more Glamour-dos than Glamour-don'ts. But a stopover at the manny's childhood home is making the manny feel not so fabulous. Why can't his parents ever accept him for who he is? And Keats, at first, sees their point. Why does the manny always have to be so interesting?

Hit the road for more manny shenanigans, where it's all about Elton John, Diet Coke, and being brave enough to be yourself.

About The Author

Photo Credit:

Christian Burch is a real-life manny who derived much of his inspiration for his novels from his charges. A resident of Jackson, Wyoming, he is the author of The Manny Files and Hit the Road, Manny.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (September 23, 2008)
  • Length: 240 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781416986027
  • Grades: 3 - 7
  • Ages: 8 - 12

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Raves and Reviews

"This book not only portrays loving family relationships, but also shows how to deal with bullies through self-acceptance and an understanding of human nature. Whether readfor entertainment or for beginning a discussion on bullying, this book will find a wide audience." -- School Library Journal

"The story is both warm and funny." -- Booklist

"The Manny Files kicks Mary Poppins to the curb." -- New York Post

"The Manny is an unbelievable mensch, always trying to find ways to amuse them. He puts notes in their lunch boxes. He helps the boy deal with the class bully and advises the girl on her boy problems." -- New York Magazine

Awards and Honors

  • Lambda Literary Award Finalist

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Christian Burch