Sunkissed

March 1, 2017

Gr 8 Up-After being discovered in a closet with her sister's ex-boyfriend, Kat is banished to Sweden for the summer to live with her aunt. Unfortunately, her aunt has chosen to spend the summer on a small island known as Strala, the land of no cell phone reception. Kat sees her summer falling apart instantly. How will she keep up-to-date with her best friends? This city girl is not ready for exile on an island. But Strala proves to have charms of its own, such as a new friend, a potential crush, and the chance for Kat to test her own limits against nature. Be prepared to spend time with some joyful Swedes in McLachlan's novel. Kat arrives on the island with low expectations. Fortunately, she is a cheery protagonist and not much brings her down. Kat explores the wilds of Strala and creates positive changes in her own life along the way. Some of that change includes sweaty runs around the island, learning to kayak, and taking part in Strala's Tuff Troll race. Readers will appreciate that Kat challenges and pushes herself. The incorporation of the Swedish setting and traditions elevates this story of teenage growth and change. Kat's positivity throughout makes this title fun to read. VERDICT Hand this book to those interested in the outdoors. A good choice for lighthearted YA collections.-Sarah Wethern, Douglas County Library, Alexandria, MN

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