Benito's dad was sent into Iraq. Benito remembers how much fun he had with his dad before the war. But when his dad comes back home, it is clear that he is not the same. He has nightmares and sees threats everywhere. He even freaks out about a soccer ball. When his dad embarrasses him at a party, that's the last straw. Benito decides to run away. He leaves right when his dad gets diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Will Benito succeed in running away? Will his relationship with his dad improve?
In this book, Greg is getting used to growing up. He is seeing more and more kids getting zits and hearing their voices deepening. Even his best friend is getting pimples. Another thing that is changing is his mom. His mom believes that he is beginning puberty, so she keeps giving him tips and books to help him for his "glorious transition into adulthood". His growing up isn't the only thing in this book that is going on. He is also dealing with trying to become an advertiser, make money, and lots of other crazy stuff that Greg does.
