THIS WAY TO HAPPY, by Alison Green Myers, Dutton Books for Young Readers, Sept. 23, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (Ages 10 and up)
This Way to Happy, by Alison Green Myers, explores loss, friendship and family dynamics against the backdrop of a family-owned amusement park.
Growing up at her grandparents’ amusement park, Reilly Rhoades spent her life in the glow of bright lights, hard work, and sweet treats. That is until her beloved grandfather died. With Grandpa gone now, the sweetness of the park disappears, and the pride Reilly had for her family’s legacy grows bitter.
Without Grandpa, Reilly’s family fights to keep the park going—spreading happiness to others as they struggle to find it themselves. The strain causes one problem after another to erupt, until the Rhoades family, and their amusement park, comes apart at the seams.
As past traditions clash with today’s realities, a new friendship splashes into Reilly’s universe. With epic advice, wild adventures, and a plan (or twenty) for tackling life’s twists and turns, Reilly Rhoades discovers that happiness doesn’t mean you have to choose between the past and the future—sometimes building a bridge connects all the best parts of you! —Synopsis provided by Dutton Books for Young Readers
This Way to Happy follows Reilly, her mom, her grandma and Alex (a kid whose family is staying at the campground attached to the park). The story is told from Reilly’s first-person point of view, making her the most fully realized. But Author Alison Green Meyers is able to bring great depth to the supporting characters as well. And Alex adds a lot of humor throughout.
Complicated family dynamics are at the heart of This Way to Happy. Myers examines the three generations of Rhoades women as well as Alex’s relationship with his divorced parents. And she does it in a way that’s accessible to young readers. These relationships feel messy and beautiful and everything in between.
This Way to Happy moves at a steady pace with the amusement park and all its quirks helping to push the story forward. It’s a good choice for older middle readers who like contemporary fiction with an emotional pull.
