The Land of 10,000 Madonnas — Kate Hattemer

Five teens backpack through Europe to fulfill the mysterious dying wish of their friend in this heartwarming novel from the author of "The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy."
 
Jesse lives with his history professor dad in a house covered with postcards of images of the Madonna from all over the world. They're gotten used to this life: two motherless dudes living among thousands of Madonnas. But Jesse has a heart condition that will ultimately cut his life tragically short. Before he dies, he arranges a mysterious trip to Europe for his three cousins, his best friend, and his girlfriend to take after he passes away. It's a trip that will forever change the lives of these young teens and one that will help them come to terms with Jesse's death.
 
With vivid writing, poignant themes, and abundant doses of humor throughout, Kate Hattemer's second novel is a satisfying journey about looking for someone else's answers only to find yourself.