Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the kind of middle grade book that sticks with you—not because it's flashy or action-packed, but because it gets at something real about family, identity, and what it means to be brave in everyday ways.

Pablo Cartaya (who also wrote The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora) has crafted a road trip story that works on multiple levels: there's the literal journey from California to Miami in a classic convertible, and then there's the emotional journey of a kid and his grandfather learning to see each other. The fantasy-author grandfather angle is clever without being gimmicky, and Gonzalo's artistic, introverted nature is treated as a strength, not something to overcome.

The grief and estrangement themes give this more weight than your typical summer adventure story, which is why it's better suited for 4th grade and up rather than younger elementary readers. But for kids ready to engage with those ideas, this is enriching without being homework. It's a New York Times bestseller for good reason—it's just really well-written, with characters who feel real and a story that keeps you turning pages while sneaking in all sorts of good stuff about empathy, cultural identity, and family healing.

Age Fit

Best for 4th-8th graders (ages 9-13) who are ready for thoughtful, character-driven stories with emotional depth. The themes of family complexity and grief resonate most with kids who can handle nuance, though the adventure framework keeps it accessible for younger confident readers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

A multigenerational road trip story that explores family connection, grief, and healing through the lens of an introverted kid and his estranged grandfather. Models showing up for family, processing difficult emotions, and bridging generational divides. The tone is emotionally healthy and age-appropriate, with themes of reconciliation and understanding that resonate without being preachy.

Imaginative

85

Blends fantasy elements with reality as Gonzalo draws creatures and imagines them emerging from landscapes, while his grandfather is a famous fantasy author. The 'slaying demons, real and imagined' framing invites kids to think about how we create our own narratives. The cross-country road trip structure provides varied settings and a sense of adventure, though it's more literary than wildly inventive.

Safe

92

No content warnings flagged in parent reviews or Common Sense Media. The exploration of grief and family estrangement is handled age-appropriately for middle grade readers. One parent review notes 'nothing inappropriate for elementary age children' though themes of Cuba history and processing grief may be more meaningful for older elementary/middle school. Clean, thoughtful storytelling without surprise mature content.

Enriching

90

School Library Journal calls it 'a book they can't put down' that explores grief, generational impact, and healing. Introverted kids will see themselves in Gonzalo, learning that different personality types are valid. The book tackles complex themes like family estrangement, cultural heritage (Cuban-American family), and what it means to be a hero in your own story. The artist protagonist models creative expression as a way of processing the world.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

A love letter to introverted kids who observe and create rather than perform—Gonzalo's quiet artist nature is celebrated, not fixed
Tackles meaty themes (grief, estrangement, cultural identity) without being heavy-handed; the fantasy-reality blend makes hard topics accessible
The grandfather-grandson dynamic is fresh and real—no instant bonding, just two people learning to show up for each other
Strong literary craft that keeps pages turning (School Library Journal says 'can't put down') while building empathy and insight
Cuban-American family representation with cultural depth woven naturally into the story

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What to Watch For

Themes of family estrangement and grief are central—younger readers (under 4th grade) may need help processing these concepts
The Cuba history references and generational trauma elements are more meaningful for kids with some historical context
If your kid prefers action-packed fantasy, this is more introspective road trip than epic adventure—the 'monsters' are mostly metaphorical

Conversation Starters

"Gonzalo feels like an observer in his own story. Do you ever feel that way? When do you feel most like the main character of your life?"
"The book talks about 'slaying demons, real and imagined.' What do you think that means? What are some 'demons' people your age might face?"
"Gonzalo's mom is a CEO and very extroverted, while he's quieter and artistic. How do you think that affects their relationship? Do you and I have different personality types?"
"Why do you think Gonzalo and his grandfather were estranged? What does it take to rebuild a relationship after a long time apart?"

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