This book is the senior year journal of Jake Callahan. He and 6 other kids are forced to stay at a local motel to attend school, as the district will no longer provide bus service. As the oldest, Jake is the one in charge. Various mishaps occur, but the resourceful Bear Flatters manage to come through.
The only other "journal" book I can think of that's written from a male POV is the Diary or Adrian Mole (I do find it interesting that both of these books were written by women). It's not too badly dated (this was published in 1988), but some things would not be issues with modern technology. However, the lady who runs the motel is a firm believer in gender roles, so has all of the girls quilt.
Overall a good book, and Jake a folksy and charming narrator.
I remember buying this book when I worked at my parent's ill-fated coffee shop in 1995. There was a used book store in the same strip mall. ( )