Editorial Content for Summerlost
Book
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
Ally Condie, bestselling author of ATLANTIA and the Matched series, makes her debut in middle grade literature through SUMMERLOST, a story of friendship, Shakespeare and growing up.
The story starts a year after Cedar loses her brother and father, when her mother decides to buy a house in her hometown, Iron Creek, to enjoy the rest of the summer there. One day, after seeing a boy in a strange costume riding his bike past her house, she decides to follow him. This decision changes her whole summer. She soon finds herself with a job at the prominent Summerlost Shakespearean theater festival and a new friend in town --- energetic, entrepreneurial Leo, who has dreams big enough for the both of them. This tale follows Cedar in a pivotal summer of her life as she learns about herself, friendship, family and grieving.
"With the combination of lovable characters, a fun setting and an intriguing mystery, [SUMMERLOST] grabs its reader and does not let go until the last page has been turned."
This is a successful coming of age novel as it compels readers to reflect upon themselves as Cedar grows. This story touches upon many important aspects of life. There are mentions of bullying, race, and disabilities, and throughout the novel, Cedar must deal with all of their complexities. Through including this, Condie creates a world that reflects difficulties readers might recognize in their own lives.
Condie creates complex characters with dynamic relationships. Readers observe Cedar as a daughter, a sister and a friend. Through her narration of the tale, we see the complexities of these relationships. This tale is refreshingly realistic because the characters that are depicted have flaws. The relationships and interactions between these characters are not perfect. In the tale, we see big and small mistakes and communication mishaps. Through reading about Cedar’s feelings in these situations, readers observe realistic ramifications and understand possible methods to deal with them.
With the combination of lovable characters, a fun setting and an intriguing mystery, this story grabs its reader and does not let go until the last page has been turned. This story is interesting and valuable for readers of all ages, but it especially benefits middle grade readers as it discusses important matters of daily life through a fun story.
Teaser
It's the first real summer since the devastating accident that killed Cedar's father and younger brother, Ben. But now Cedar and what’s left of her family are returning to the town of Iron Creek for the summer. They’re just settling into their new house when a boy named Leo, dressed in costume, rides by on his bike. Intrigued, Cedar follows him to the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Soon, she not only has a new friend in Leo and a job working concessions at the festival, she finds herself surrounded by mystery. The mystery of the tragic, too-short life of the Hollywood actress who haunts the halls of Summerlost. And the mystery of the strange gifts that keep appearing for Cedar.
Promo
It's the first real summer since the devastating accident that killed Cedar's father and younger brother, Ben. But now Cedar and what’s left of her family are returning to the town of Iron Creek for the summer. They’re just settling into their new house when a boy named Leo, dressed in costume, rides by on his bike. Intrigued, Cedar follows him to the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Soon, she not only has a new friend in Leo and a job working concessions at the festival, she finds herself surrounded by mystery. The mystery of the tragic, too-short life of the Hollywood actress who haunts the halls of Summerlost. And the mystery of the strange gifts that keep appearing for Cedar.
About the Book
A tender and compelling contemporary novel for young readers about facing grief and finding friendship, from the international bestselling author of the Matched series
It's the first real summer since the devastating accident that killed Cedar's father and younger brother, Ben. But now Cedar and what’s left of her family are returning to the town of Iron Creek for the summer. They’re just settling into their new house when a boy named Leo, dressed in costume, rides by on his bike. Intrigued, Cedar follows him to the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Soon, she not only has a new friend in Leo and a job working concessions at the festival, she finds herself surrounded by mystery. The mystery of the tragic, too-short life of the Hollywood actress who haunts the halls of Summerlost. And the mystery of the strange gifts that keep appearing for Cedar.
Infused with emotion and rich with understanding, SUMMERLOST is the touching new novel from Ally Condie, the international bestselling author of the Matched series that highlights the strength of family and personal resilience in the face of tragedy.
