The five Vanderbeeker siblings ose ages now range from 7 (Laney) to 15 (twins Isa and Jessie) eir mother; their neighbors Orlando (also 15) and Mr. Beiderman, his guardian; along with several pets, squeeze into a van for an epic road trip, driving from New York to California and back in three weeks. Along the way, they pick up Mr. Vanderbeeker in Indiana. The plot thickens when the three youngest Vanderbeekers learn that Jessie and Orlando are secretly scheduling college interviews at UC Berkeley and Isa wants to visit a conservatory in San Francisco. Anxious about their beloved older sisters leaving home, Laney leads the three youngest Vanderbeekers in plotting to sabotage their plans. From the first memorably uncomfortable night of camping to the unexpected friendships with people met along the way, the journey is chaotic, comical, and heartwarming. The sixth book in the series features well-developed characters taken out of their comfort zone, challenged by close quarters and new experiences, and increasingly aware of inevitable changes to come. A rewarding family story.