The Mending Summer
The Mending Summer by Ali Standish, published by HarperCollinsPublishers in 2021, is a middle grade novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth. This 359-page book follows Georgia, a young girl grappling with her father’s alcoholism while spending the summer with her great-aunt in the countryside. As she navigates her feelings of disappointment and loneliness, Georgia discovers a magical lake that offers her a chance to escape her troubles and make wishes for her family’s healing.
In this story, readers will find themes of friendship and emotional resilience intertwined with elements of fantasy and magic. Georgia’s journey is marked by her encounters with a mysterious friend named Angela and the challenges that arise as the wishes from the lake begin to complicate her life. The narrative delves into social themes such as substance abuse and the emotional turmoil it brings, providing a thoughtful exploration of how to mend a broken heart amidst difficult circumstances.
Official synopsis Publisher
Perfect for fans of Orphan Island and Wishtree, The Mending Summer is the next stunning middle grade novel from Ali Standish–author of the Carnegie Medal nominee The Ethan I Was Before and August Isle, Bad Bella, and How to Disappear Completely–about a girl who is struggling to deal with her father’s alcoholism when she discovers an enchanted lake…
Some summers are meant to break your heart. Others to mend it. Every once in a while, a summer rolls around that does both.
For Georgia, this summer is shaping up to be a big disappointment. Mama is busy studying for her biology degree. Daddy is working nights, and often the man who comes home isn’t Daddy. He’s a man who looks like Daddy, but walks a little wobbly. Who sounds like Daddy, but sings a little too loud. Georgia calls him the Shadow Man.
So now, instead of riding horses with her friends at camp, Georgia is sent off to the country to stay with her mysterious great-aunt for the summer to avoid her parents’ fighting.
There, a lonely Georgia meets a mysterious friend named Angela and together, they discover a magical lake–one that can make wishes come true. At first, the lake offers Georgia a thrilling escape from her worries and hope that she can use its magic to heal her family. But as things grow worse at home, a troubled boy appears at the lake and the wishes threaten to spiral out of control . . .
Award-winning author Ali Standish explores the courage it takes to piece your heart back together again when those closest to you break it.
“Standish has created a timeless tale of discovery, growth, and relationships. A powerful story about an important topic.” –School Library Journal (starred review)
“Readers will be drawn into this story of friendship, magic, and the heartbreak–and healing–of addiction.” –Kirkus
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