Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun road trip sequel explores emotional effects of divorce.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Max LeRoy is back in ROAD TRIP WITH MAX AND HIS MOM, Linda Urban's second book about a 9-year-old boy adjusting to life after his parents' divorce. Max's mom announces that she's taking Max on a road trip to a family reunion at an amusement park in Pennsylvania for his great-great aunt's 100th birthday. Though he loves seeing his mom smile and get excited, he's worried that she's making a mistake. "I'd like to go with you, but I can't," he tells her. Weekends are spent with his dad, you see, and Max doesn't know how his dad would cope without his weekend visit. The road trip does proceed as planned, but Max faces questions that children of divorce face: What happens when the schedule gets shifted around? Am I doing what's right? What is this thing called family? Am I allowed to have fun, even if my other parent isn't having fun? Max and his mom do get to have a real road trip -- complete with adventures, hot dogs, wacky cousins, and roller coasters -- and in the end, they find answers to some of these big questions.
Is It Any Good?
Poignant, funny, and sweet, this story about a kid's life post-divorce is realistic without being heavy. Like the first installment in this three-book series (a third is due in 2019), Road Trip with Max and His Mom does a good job illustrating the shifts that occur after a parents' split, while steadily maintaining a kid's point of view. Author Linda Urban deftly handles those awkward moments of post-divorce life, which are packed with emotional meaning. In one instance, Max invites his dad on the road trip, the details of which his parents have clearly arranged behind-the-scenes. Max's mom gently says that Dad is not invited and goes on to explain that she and Max's dad may not be very good at spending time with each other, but "we're both very, very good at loving you."
Urban takes on a subject that many families have trouble discussing, and the warmth, character, and inclusiveness that this book exudes is inspiring. Max is a kid who's scared and brave and mixed up, but he's ultimately able to move forward. And here's why: His parents make sure to pay attention to Max's needs while adjusting to their own circumstances. This is a story about divorce that can be read to young kids who'll get the message that parents are not perfect, but they're doing the best they can.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about complex feelings and anxiety in Road Trip with Max and His Mom. How does Max react when he's confused or embarrassed? How does he overcome his fears? Can you think of role models in books, TV shows, or movies who help kids deal with stressful situations in positive ways?
Max's family looks different from other families, and some of his relatives don't know how to deal with that. Do you notice when families have different last names? Or is it normal to you? Why would Max feel shocked seeing his mom's name written differently?
Family reunions can be cool or ... uncool. How are family get-togethers portrayed in media? Are they realistic?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Katie Kath
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
- Publication date : April 17, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 18
- Number of pages : 160
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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