Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: Loon Cove Summer by Donna Galanti

Thirteen-year-old Sarah Richardson lives with her dad and uncle at the campground her dad bought back when her mom was alive. It’s not easy running the campground, but Sarah helps out wherever she can, emptying the trash at the sites and cleaning the cabins for the next campers. Unfortunately, money is tight and her dad has to work elsewhere to make extra money. This leaves Sarah and Uncle JuJu to work the store and do what needs to be done during the week. When she finds out her best friend is going away for the first half of the summer and won’t be at the campground having adventures with her, Sarah is upset. They make lists of goals to achieve before they see each other again. Sarah is hoping to save a loon and secretly wants to finish the last part of her mom's trek along the Appalachian Trail, the part she never got to complete. Loons were something she and her mom had in common, and Sarah hasn’t been out on the lake since her mom died six months ago. How can she help the loons if she can't go on the water? There's a glimmer of hope once Maggie, a loon specialist, comes to help study the loons on the lake and why they are disappearing. Sarah is excited to be learning from someone who shares her same passion. Even better- Maggie’s nephew, Theo, is there too. He and Sarah are the same age, and he's on a mission to take pictures of things that are disappearing, like the loons. When Sarah’s dad starts to spend time with Maggie, it stirs up emotions in Sarah. Isn't Maggie Sarah's friend? Why is her dad suddenly interested in the loons? Will Sarah’s family be able to keep the campground? Will she have the nerve to finish the hike? You’ll have to read this to heartfelt journey to find out.

I've read many books by Donna Galanti, and I was excited to get a copy of her latest book, Loon Cove Summer. Sarah and I share a love for nature and the outdoors, and I also know how hard being separated from friends can be. I loved the camping community and all the people who brighten Sarah’s world. I could easily imagine the beautiful setting and going out boating on the lake. Sarah’s new friend, Theo, is passionate about photography, which I thought was really cool. The book is filled with interesting information about loons, and I learned so much along the way! Sarah had sad things happen in her life, and seeing how she tries to heal was emotional for sure! I had the tissues ready, and I needed them. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in animals or who wants to help make their environment a better and safer place. It's a great book for readers in fourth grade and up who like stories about friendship, families and the outdoors.

Has anyone else read Loon Cove Summer? Or have you read another book by Donna Galanti?

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Happy reading!
~L

For other MMGM posts, please visit Greg Pattridge's blog.

Stop by Wednesday for an exciting guest spotlight with Donna Galanti talking about her new book release, plus book giveaway! Friday we'll be hosting an author interview with Donna, so stay tuned!