Review The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher

 Sam (12), Jax (10), Eli (10), and Frog (6) are the adopted brothers of dads Jason Fletcher and Tom Anderson.   The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher follows them over the course of a year as they each have a different issues to navigate. Sam hopes to get chosen for the Elite Soccer Team; Jax has to try and figure out how he is going to get his grouchy new neighbor, Mr. Nelson to allow him to interview him for his Veteran Interview Project; Eli after finally have convinced his dad's to let him attend Pinnacle School for Gifted Children is trying to figure out how to tell them he doesn't really like it;  and Frog desperately wants his family to meet Ladybug Li, a girl he supposedly has made friends with at school, although he still talks about his imaginary friend.  The Fletcher household is very chaotic, what with Sir Puggleton (dog), Zeus (cat) and not to mention the turtle and kitten that Frog is trying to convince everyone they need, but also is realistically portrayed .   

Each chapter of The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher begins with a note, text message, e-mail, or newspaper clipping showing the dialogue between father and son or from the boys to their neighbor. The story is told from the vantage of one of the Fletcher children, and alternates between them each chapter.  There is no huge problem to solve, rather chronicles some of the day to day things that families do.  Trips to visit family, first day of school, a Halloween party, etc.   Levy presents a diverse family with varied interests, hobbies, ethnic backgrounds and religions, but one where each is supported, respected and celebrated. Jason Fletcher and Tom Anderson's marriage is woven into the story in a matter of fact way. They are just Dad and Papa and when other children question why they have two dads, it's Frog who says "of course we had moms!  Don't you even know how babies are made?"