There's so many things about summer that I love, but one of my favorite things is getting to do all the outdoor activities that you simply can't do the rest of the year. As a kid in Michigan, that meant one thing: a trip to Cedar Point in Ohio to ride the roller coasters! I can't think of a single summer I didn't go at least once, either with my parents and my brother, or with my friends, or even on an end-of-the-year field trip during my senior year physics class.
I'll admit that I'm a little picky about which coasters I go on (prefer twisty-spinny-flippy ones over big-hill-screamy ones). These days I start to feel motion sick faster than I used to, so that means picking one or two that I really want to ride before I start feeling like I might throw up. But there's something so carefree about flying and twisting through the open air. I think I'll never be able to go to a theme park without riding at least one, even if it leaves me a little queasy afterward. After all, that's part of the experience!
Check out these exciting reads to experience the ups, downs, twists and turns of summer adventure at the theme park!
Strollercoaster: The excitement of roller coasters can be found anywhere, not just in theme parks! Just ask Sam and Dad, who use a well-timed thrill ride in the stroller around their neighborhood to avoid a meltdown.
Go to Wizard's Wharf: Wombats Pickles and Albert might be best friends, but that doesn't mean they like the same things. For instance, Albert gave Pickles an I.O.U. to spend a day together at Pickles' favorite amusement park, Wizard's Wharf -- even though amusement parks are not Albert's thing. But when their friend Platters offers to take them on a tour of the top-secret new ride that's under construction, the three of them are separated, and that's when the adventure really starts.
Alterations: Chinese Canadian middle schooler Kevin Lee doesn't always feel like he belongs. Between bullies, his dad disappearing after his parents' divorce, and the indignities of middle school, the one thing that might turn it all around in this funny and relatable graphic novel is a class trip to the new Thrill Planet.
Almost Flying: It's a good thing that Dalia is a total roller coaster fanatic, because when she turns thirteen, suddenly her whole life becomes a roller coaster. Her dad is engaged, her future step-sister is taking her on a road trip to theme parks, and she's navigating her first queer crush -- and, oh yeah, she's never actually ridden a roller coaster before, just watched videos of them. Will she be brave enough to go along for the ride this time?
Where will your adventures take you this summer?
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