Next Summer

December 1, 2005
Gr 10 Up -This sequel to "Summer Boys" (Scholastic, 2004) stands on its own. The Tuttle girls are getting ready for another summer at the family's beach cottage. Beth, though excited about spending time with her cousins, is depressed over leaving her boyfriend, George. Sisters Ella and Kelsi have mixed feelings about the upcoming summer as well. Kelsi had a horrific breakup the previous year and wants a boy-free vacation so she can hang out with the girls and have fun. Ella, the party animal, is tired of all the hook ups. All she wants is a committed relationship with a nice guy. Unfortunately, this summer turns out to be filled with more drama than any of the teens could have realized: Beth is hanging out far too much with a George-look-alike lifeguard; Kelsi keeps running into frat boy Tim, who is totally not her type, and Ella has found the perfect boy, but can't seem to attract him -a first for her! The teens are believable characters and their experiences will have readers laughing and crying along with them. There are episodes of drinking, serious making out, and discussions about sexual encounters, but there are no graphic scenes. Written in an accessible style, this romance will attract both avid and reluctant readers." -Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL"

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