It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

Han, J. (2010). It's Not Summer Without You. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN: 14169955525

Plot Summary

  This is the highly anticipated sequel to The Summer I Turned Pretty which introduced readers to beautifully woven characters and a family who can't lose hope. Still recovering from the death of her mother's best friend and her confidant, Suzanne, Belly wonders if summer will ever be the same. When Conrad disappears from school, his brother Jeremiah asks Belly to help him find him. They discover him back at Cousins Beach and they all remember a time when life was simple. The three must come to terms with their loss and come together to save the beach house where everything made sense. 

Critical Evaluation

  It is hard not to get emotionally involved with these characters. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I first picked up the first book and I still choke up reading about Suzanne's immense love for her boys and Belly. I was pleasantly pleased to see such growing up of the characters but at the same time, they were still the same old trio. Jenny Han writes such great coming of age novels, that it makes sense why this book is always checked out. This book takes an emotional look on how different people grieve and how their grief affects their family, friends, and future. I am glad that the ending left readers wondering if this was really the end and I was so happy when I found out there will be another installment. 

Readers Annotation

  Can their grief be overcome in time to save their memories?

Curriculum Ties

  n/a

Booktalking Ideas

  - How do you grieve?

  - Is it sometimes better to move on rather than hold on to memories?

  - Do you agree with Belly's relationship decision?

  - What are your predictions for the third book?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

  9-12th grade/Young Adult

Challenge Issues

  Sexual innuendo, drug and alcohol use
   I would offer my library's Collection Development Policy which highlights how challenges and reconsideration's are handled. I would ask the challenger and the professional reviewing it to familiarize themselves with the book.

Reason for Selection

  I just had to read the sequel.