  | Forever this summer Author: Youngblood, Leslie C. | |
| Price: $21.88 | ||
Summary:
When eleven-year-old Georgie and her sister Peaches relocate to Bogalusa, Louisiana, with their mother to help their Great Aunt Vie, Georgie becomes involved in the search for the truth about her new friend Markie's mother.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.40 Points: 11.0 Quiz: 514450 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (06/01/21)
School Library Journal (+) (05/01/21)
Booklist (06/01/21)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 05/01/2021 Gr 4–6—In this sequel to Love Like Sky, Georgie "G-Baby" is spending her summer in Bogalusa, LA, so her family can help care for Great Aunt Vie, who has Alzheimer's. Feeling stuck, treated like a baby but with adult expectations, Georgie meets Markie while helping out at the family diner in town. Georgie's mom is reluctant to let her spend time with Markie, who is a foster child with a big personality. As Markie and Georgie become friends, they find great purpose in their summer looking for Markie's biological mother and organizing a talent show as an Alzheimer's benefit. As Markie uncovers more of her history, the friends discover that the truth is often complex and painful, though not without hope. Youngblood writes an optimistic story bursting with heart, strategically weaving discussions of equity, race, and relationships into the well-paced narrative. Nearly the entire cast is Black, and Markie has a limb difference. Many characters, especially Markie, masterfully demonstrate respect and communication in a way that will benefit all readers. While the ending may be idealistic, it is the ending tweens will want and it is beautifully delivered. Readers need not have read Love Like Sky to thoroughly enjoy this title. VERDICT Packed with important life lessons, this story is also a captivating tale of summer adventure and mystery. A dynamic cast, intriguing plot, and essential advice make this a recommended purchase for all libraries.—Taylor Worley, Springfield P.L., OR - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 06/01/2021 In this follow-up to Love like Sky (2018), Georgie has adjusted to her new blended family and remains grateful for her sister’s recovery from illness, but just as life settles, new drama appears. Mama and Georgie head to small-town Louisiana to look after Great Aunt Vie, founder of the revered Sweetings diner. Georgie is eager to prove her independence by filling in at the bustling restaurant, but also helping out at the diner is Markie, a 12-year-old foster girl who navigates the world without one of her arms and with all the freedom and confidence Georgie thinks she desires. When Markie becomes determined to learn the truth about her birth mother, Georgie joins her in the quest, and the pair begins unraveling mysterious threads that reveal intertwined family history and heartbreak. Youngblood’s thoughtful story doesn’t shy away from big subjects—Alzheimer’s, foster care, racial injustice—and Georgie is a warm and witty guide through it all. A welcoming and worthwhile exploration of Southern small-town dynamics and the all-important ties that bind both friends and family. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
