YA Review: Zig Zag by Ellen Wittlinger

Robin is looking forward to spending an entire summer with her boyfriend Chris, their last together before he heads off to college.  However, at his graduation party, Chris breaks the news to Robin that he'll be spending his summer in Rome, Italy, not Iowa City, Iowa with her.  Robin is devastated, and to get her out of the house Robin's Aunt Dory suggests she come along on a long road trip with her young cousins (who Robin doesn't get along with).  Robin has little interest because she only wants to see Chris-- but agrees to go because there is a chance she might get to stop in Arizona to see her father, his new wife, and her new baby brother.  The trip through the American West is a zigzag journey that opens Robins eyes to the wider world as she discovers a world of strength within herself.