This Way to Happy

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.

Author: Alison Green Myers
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Published: 09/23/2025
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.60w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9780593325704
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/23/2025
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2025
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2025
Booklist 08/01/2025

About the Author
Alison Green Myers is a passionate educator, novelist, and speaker. As the program director at the Highlights Foundation, Alison supports storytellers with fellowships and care throughout their careers. Alison is the author of the Schneider Family Award-winning A Bird Will Soar and the forthcoming This Way to Happy. A National Writing Fellow and teaching artist with Bethel Woods' educational programs, Alison is always happy to spend time in the company of curious kids! Alison lives in the woods of Pennsylvania with two extraordinary humans and two dear dogs.