The Passport Project, by Kellie McIntyre

The Passport Project is a true story of a family who decide to escape their suburban bubble and embark on a “global family field trip”, written from the perspective of two sisters.  Each girl approaches the adventure differently; 13-year-old Delaney fights the idea of missing out on normal 8th grade social activities with her friends to be 24/7 with her family, while 11-year-old Riley is excited to take a break from the monotony of middle school.  This experience was obviously no ordinary vacation. It was a life-changing journey that would teach them valuable social studies lessons about how to navigate different cultures and customs, while at the same time trying to manage through the reality of adolescence. The family bonded through the beauty of different landscapes and people from all walks of life, and even more through the real-life awkward family moments, travel sicknesses, and the true challenge of losing their freedom while being detained in a communist country.  The two sisters' story is a testament to the power of courage and curiosity; it serves as an inspiring example of how taking risks can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth.  We highly recommend The Passport Project for middle school students and families considering their own around-the-world journey. 

We’ve come up with a brilliant idea! We’re going on a global adventure. You won’t go to school, see your friends, play your favorite sport, or go to any parties or dances for five months. You can only take one suitcase, three pairs of shoes, and you have to pack for hot and cold weather. And as a bonus? You get to spend 24/7 with your parents.
— Kellie McIntyre, The Passport Project

The Passport Project book trailer for the popular YA travel memoir

“THANKS FOR RUINING MY LIFE!” Delaney McIntyre's eighth-grade dreams crumble when her parents announce their "five-month family field trip." And despite her begging, bawling, and silent treatment, Delaney can't derail their obvious midlife crisis. Seventh-grade Riley McIntyre is thrilled to ditch middle school for world school. She dreams of bungee jumping in New Zealand and completing the Riley Reinvention Project during this global adventure. What about school? Forget science and math. The only way to pass this class is to survive…

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