Every year as the weather becomes perfect for picnicking and walking outside with bare feet, a phenomenon happens in every neighborhood, town, and city in the country. Whether it’s called the fair, a festival, or a carnival, everyone joins in, eating things they didn’t know could be deep-fried and entering in competitions they’re determined to win this year.

For Miller Sanford, attending the Holmsbury Fair is going to be a freewheeling day without his annoying little sister, but when his mother can’t attend the fair and his father has cover to her volunteer booth hours as well as his own, Miller ends up with more responsibility than he can handle. He is drawn into a series of mishaps involving everything from his dad’s prize-worthy lemon meringue pie to his own ill-fated science fair project.

The Universe of Fair is the perfect middle grade chapter book to help kids dive into their summer reading. Frank Dormer’s kid-friendly illustrations enliven the pages of Leslie Bulion’s lighthearted take on growing up and learning to be responsible.

Read an excerpt and take a look at the teacher’s guide for summer book club discussions and activity ideas! Also make sure to follow us on Facebook for the giveaway starting May 7th!

Get The Universe of Fair from your indie bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon! For more reading suggestions this summer, check out our summertime reading and summer-themed round-ups.