Weekends with Max and His Dad

Starred review from January 11, 2016
In this delightfully funny and realistic story, third grader Max Leroy embarks on escapades with his newly divorced father. During their first weekend together, Max decides that he, as Agent Pepperoni, and his father, as “helper spy” Agent Cheese, must dress with fake mustaches and scars, bandanas, fedoras, and sunglasses to uncover suspicious local activity. “This disguise is so good even I don’t know who I am,” says Dad. The two bond as they surreptitiously take photos, follow unsuspecting characters, and even save the day when a tourist wanders away from his tour group. In subsequent weekends, Max helps his father meet neighbors, face his fear of performing in public, and buy new furniture. Urban’s (Milo Speck, Accidental Agent) subtle and perceptive take on divorce will resonate with children facing similar predicaments as she blends Max’s worries and “someone-sitting-on-his-chest” feelings with a vivid imagination and good intentions that take father and son on some very entertaining adventures—with future ones planned. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6–9. Author’s agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates.