This Way to Happy

By: Alison Green Myers

Narrated by: Sagan Chen, Alison Green Myers

From Schneider Family Book Award winner Alison Green Myers comes a heartwarming middle grade novel about loss, friendship, and the many paths we create to happiness.

Growing up at her grandparents' amusement park, Reilly Rhoades spent her life in the glow of bright lights, hard work, and sweet treats. That is until her beloved grandfather died. With Grandpa gone now, the sweetness of the park disappears, and the pride Reilly had for her family’s legacy grows bitter.

Without Grandpa, Reilly’s family fights to keep the park going—spreading happiness to others as they struggle to find it themselves. The strain causes one problem after another to erupt, until the Rhoades family, and their amusement park, comes apart at the seams.

As past traditions clash with today's realities, a new friendship splashes into Reilly’s universe. With epic advice, wild adventures, and a plan (or twenty) for tackling life’s twists and turns, Reilly Rhoades discovers that happiness doesn’t mean you have to choose between the past and the future—sometimes building a bridge connects all the best parts of you!

This Way to Happy is a rollercoaster ride that reminds readers even in the midst of life’s most challenging turns, happiness can be found just around the corner.

Critic reviews

“In a compulsively readable narrative fueled by characters fraught with tension, Reilly is a balm of introspection. Overall, Schneider Award winner Myers presents a refreshing story of accepting change as a positive way forward.”—Booklist

"Myers’ sophomore effort effectively navigates complicated family dynamics, from the grandparents’ marriage and Grandma’s lifelong commitment to supporting her husband’s dreams, to the sisters’ volatile relationship, to Alex’s challenges with his mom and stepfather. The purposeful presentation of the histories of the individual characters allows readers to understand them without judgment, and their messy dynamics feel deeply human."—BCCB

"Via the complexly rendered characters—including three generations of strong and personable women—Myers tackles themes of addiction and recovery, divorce, and loss, and suggests that being open to happiness might be the best way to find it."—PW

“Beautifully written and thoughtfully crafted, this story is a poignant reminder of the healing power of memories and the courage it takes to find happiness in unexpected places. A true gift for anyone who has loved and lost.”—Ernesto Cisneros, Pura Belpré Award–winning author of Efrén Divided and Falling Short

"In This Way to Happy, Alison Green Myers builds themes of family, friendship, grief, and recovery into a compelling story, in a one-of-a-kind setting. A wise and honest exploration of the bonds and bridges that carry us through life’s ups and downs. A beautiful read from start to finish."—Meera Trehan, author of SNOW and The View from the Very Best House in Town

Such a lovely story!!

I loved this book so much. Riley’s story of family and home and honoring memory is one that will speak to so many readers. And the author’s note at the end… it is clear that AGM is in tune with her readers as much as she is with her characters. What to read next? Go find A Bird Will Soar.

The way the narrator made each character unique stood out.

I really enjoyed the narration of this novel. There were many touching scenes and funny moments.