Summary
Meg, her older sister Molly, and their parents are moving to the country for one year, so that their father can write his book. Meg and Molly share a room, and their relationship becomes more and more strained as a result. When Molly gets sick, though, Meg, with the help of her new neighbours and friends, begins to gain a new perspective on their relationship.
Meg, her older sister Molly, and their parents are moving to the country for one year, so that their father can write his book. Meg and Molly share a room, and their relationship becomes more and more strained as a result. When Molly gets sick, though, Meg, with the help of her new neighbours and friends, begins to gain a new perspective on their relationship.
Evaluative comments
Lowry is an incredible versatile writer, having written both very bleak and very funny books. A Summer to Die, her first novel, reveals yet another facet of her writing, as it deals with tragedy, but with a hopeful, sensitive tone. Her writing effortlessly draws readers in, and her imagery is well expressed and effectively adds a layer of depth to both the story and the characters.
Lowry is an incredible versatile writer, having written both very bleak and very funny books. A Summer to Die, her first novel, reveals yet another facet of her writing, as it deals with tragedy, but with a hopeful, sensitive tone. Her writing effortlessly draws readers in, and her imagery is well expressed and effectively adds a layer of depth to both the story and the characters.
Suggested audience
Grades 7-10
Grades 7-10
Reader’s advisory notes
Appeal terms - Character-driven, atmospheric, reflective, bittersweet, moving,
Read-alikes - A House Like a Lotas, Madeleine L'Engle; Jacob Have I Loved, Katherine Paterson
Booktalking hook
Read the beginning passage, which introduces Meg and her relationship with her sister, Molly (pp. 1-3)
Read the beginning passage, which introduces Meg and her relationship with her sister, Molly (pp. 1-3)
Reason for inclusion
Lois Lowry is a well-established YA author with many award-winning books to her name.
Awards for A Summer to Die - An ALA Notable Book for Children; An International Reading Association Children’s Book Award; A School Library Journal Best Book for Spring
Lois Lowry is a well-established YA author with many award-winning books to her name.
Awards for A Summer to Die - An ALA Notable Book for Children; An International Reading Association Children’s Book Award; A School Library Journal Best Book for Spring
Category
Historical/Classic, Realistic
Historical/Classic, Realistic
