European Travel

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Ginny is 17, and her favorite aunt has died. Aunt Peg was artistic and free-spirited, and Ginny misses her and the excitement that surrounded her. Suddenly, Ginny receives a letter from Aunt Peg. The letter contains instructions and money for a trip through Europe. She picks up a package of 13 blue envelopes, which are to be opened one at a time when she arrives at her various destinations. Ginny leaves her home in New Jersey and travels throughout Europe to follow the cryptic instructions her aunt has left for her, accomplishing her assigned tasks and having her own adventures along the way.

Are We There Yet? by David Levithan

The Silver brothers seem to have very little in common. Danny is 23, and is a workaholic, determined to get ahead. His brother Elijah is a laid-back 17 year old with no specific plans. Hoping to bring them closer together, their parents trick them into traveling to Italy together. Flashbacks from their childhood, the people they meet, and the experience of travel give the brothers a clearer view of themselves and of each other.

- Jeri