Look Out for the Fitzgerald-Trouts - Tapa dura

"Readers will root for the spunky youngsters [and] relate to the kids' simple desires for a normal life, complete with goldfish in bowls and room to sleep."--School Library Journal "The Boxcar Children meet Dahl in a Hawaii-like setting here and it's all sorts of fun, with just enough snarkiness to add edge to the charm and wonder. A clever but subtle twist at the end adds even more amusement, and the overall effect is as pleasing as a tropical breeze."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "A touch of Everything on a Waffle weirdness; a touch of The Willoughbys sendup; and a warm, genial, wholly original voice."--Horn Book "Spalding's playful tone takes the edge off the neglectful parents and dire circumstances, largely thanks to the plucky, self-reliant kids who know (rightly) they are better off on their own."--Booklist "Have you ever wanted to live on an island filled with selfish grownups and blood-sucking iguanas hiding in a dark and mysterious forest? Me neither. But the brave and inventive Fitzgerald-Trouts have such fascinating lives that I just might reconsider--as soon as I read this glorious book again, at least twice. I salute thee, Fitzgerald-Trouts!" --Lemony Snicket, author of the bestselling series A Series of Unfortunate Events and All the Wrong Questions "These kids are witty, full of heart and genuinely fun to read about."--The New York Times Book Review

The Fitzgerald-Trouts are four barely-related siblings living together in a small car on a lush tropical island. They are wonderfully self-reliant, but they are out-growing their small vehicle, and must band together to find a new home. A quick, delightful, and deeply resonant read, here is a beautifully imagined adventure where children live remarkable, independent lives despite some terrible grown-ups in their midst. These extraordinary siblings offer evidence that kids could get along just fine--they wouldn't even argue much with their siblings--if only grown ups left them alone.