Ruth Wallace-Brodeur

Advance copy, uncorrected proof

Twelve-year-old Sage is sent by her mother to spend the summer with her great Aunts, whom she hasn't seen since she was 6. Her mother has a history of not staying with anything for long, including Sage's father, but this summer she wants to study herbs. Sage had planned to be a junior counselor with her best friend, so is disappointed, but once in Maine she finds new family ties and friendships that she treasures.

Nice story of a 16 yo girl who spends a summer with her widowed Gram, which turns out to be an arrangement that helps them both grow ready for the next stage of their lives.  No big drama, no bad guys or angst or anything, just an example of wholesome living and the facing of personal challenges.  But not insipid or 'inspirational' either.

Tessa is eleven years old. Her older brother is Scott. He is killed in a serious acident because of drunk driving. Especially, the way her mother looks and says to her quietly. It means Tessa's mom doesn't pay much attention on her daughter because her special blue eyes son died. Tessa and her father have a tight relationship,and he understands about Tessa's thoughts and needs. Time can help all member of Tessa's family treat their lose and their grief.