The Summer of Letting Go

Author: Gae Polisner
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Genre: Teen
ISBN: 978-1-61620-256-9
Pages: 320
Price: $16.95

Francesca “Frankie” Schnell has been living in guilt for the last four years, since her brother, Simon, drowned. After all, her parents had asked her to watch him, and it was all her fault. Her family life has gone from bad to worse, and she wonders if they will ever let go of the past.

Now her mother is withdrawn, consumed with the anti-drowning foundation she’s created, and her father is spending too much time with the woman next door. And to make matters even more miserable, her best friend is dating her dream guy. How will she ever get through the summer?

A chance encounter with the Schyler family introduces her to Frankie Sky, a little boy whose uncanny resemblance to Simon seems like no coincidence. Can Frankie Sky help her heal her past and finally let go?

Frankie is a very courageous and strong girl, determined to move through her painful past and find peace. No longer content with the status quo, she does what she needs to do to finally heal. The reader will really relate to Frankie’s feelings and cheer for her to find happiness. I highly recommend The Summer of Letting Go.

Reviewer: Alice Berger