As acquisitions editor on this series with amazing author Lisa Williams Kline, I fell in love with the characters of Diana and Stephanie, the contemporary setting, and realistic depictions of hard topics-divorce and mental health. This series was one I was sad to have done, because I was in their world for so long, I did not want it to end.
Publisher agreed, and the four-book series became five. Each book also includes in some way an animal rescue as a side-theme, as the author's husband is a veterinarian. Because of this side theme of animals, this book appeals to boys as well, who I have actually sold to directly, 10 and 11 year-old boys who chose this book out of those displayed for sale. Highly recommended for middle grade readers. -Kim Childress
The coldest season.
Building a family is hard, especially with stepsisters who are complete opposites. During the bleak and dreary days of winter, Diana continues to be bullied at school, Stephanie continues hiding a painful secret, and both their lives are shaken by two tragic accidents. They discover a beached whale on the North Carolina shoreline, then Stephanie's brother is in a near-fatal car crash. The girls try pushing through the rockiness in their relationship and facing their challenges, until Stephanie's lie is finally revealed. Can Diana find forgiveness and faith in her darkest hours?
Praise for Summer of the Wolves:
This funny, gentle and compassionate story feels fresh, thanks to appealing, closely observed characters, both major and minor, and a compelling setting" -Kirkus Reviews
Lisa Williams Kline is the author of The Princesses of Atlantis, Write Before Your Eyes, and Eleanor Hill, winner of the North Carolina Juvenile Literature Award. Her stories for children have appeared in Cricket, Cicada, Spider, and Odyssey. She earned her MFA from Queens University.
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