Ferris by: Kate DiCamillo

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo is a heartfelt and humorous middle‑grade novel that blends family, growing pains, and a touch of the supernatural into an unforgettable summer story. Set in the weeks before fifth grade, the novel follows Ferris Wilkey as she navigates an eventful break filled with unexpected chaos: her little sister Pinky has declared herself an outlaw, her Uncle Ted has taken up residence in their basement to paint a “history of the world,” and her grandmother Charisse insists she’s seeing a ghost — not a menacing spirit, but one with practical‑free, wildly imaginative plans. Amid raccoon invasions and unconventional family antics, Ferris begins to learn that love appears in the most surprising ways — and that every good story is, at its heart, a love story. With warmth, humor, and emotional resonance, DiCamillo (a two‑time Newbery Medalist) delivers a vivid tale about family ties, resilience, and embracing life’s messiness.