Almost twelve year old Daisy Bauer lives in the River Estates Mobile Home Park, a place with neither a river nor estates, with her mother, a single mother with a set of problems and a new boyfriend named Alex. Her father, The Chemist, is serving time in a minimum security prison, nicknamed Club Fed, for accidentally blowing up a house during a chemistry experiment. Once a month, Daisy’s grandmother takes her to Club Fed to visit The Chemist. During a visit, Daisy realizes that his time in prison may be more difficult for him that she thought.
Graham Hassler, or Graham Cracker, is Daisy’s sometimes friend. He lives with his mom, Kari, in the trailer park. He hates school and wants to run away from home to start a new life where his mom won’t have to work extra hours to pay the bills, he won’t have to wear thrift store jeans, and he won’t be bothered by a bully.
One day, Daisy’s mom announces that she and Alex are taking a vacation to Mexico for some alone time. Daisy will spend Spring Break with Graham and his mom. During this time, Daisy devises a plan to break The Chemist out of prison and move to Canada to start a new life.
With a pair of wire cutters, a jar full of change, a notebook, sandwiches, a change of clothes for The Chemist, and two rolls of toilet paper, Daisy and Graham start head to Club Fed to execute their plan. They pick up Graham’s cousin Ashley, a twenty four year old with her own set of problems to be their getaway driver. A horrible sense of direction, poor map reading skills, a dog, and a mini horse all contribute to this adventure.
Daisy tells the story through flashbacks in letters she writes to Judge Henry. Through the letters, Daisy learns about family, broken trust, admitting when she is wrong, and unconditional love.
I will tell you three things right now.
Number one: This book is funny. I could tell you why, but I don’t want to ruin the book for you.
Number two: This book is relatable. People like Daisy, Graham, and their families really exist.
Number three: You should read it. You will enjoy it.
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