Summer of Brave
By Amy Noelle Parks
Published by Albert Whitman, March, 2021
Review
Summer of Brave is a powerful read that I could not stop telling my husband about. To set the stage, Lilla is the daughter of divorced professors who expect Lilla to enroll in an elite prep school, but her artist father expects the art track, while her scientist mother expects the science track. Lilla wants to attend the public high school, but fears upsetting anyone and cannot bring herself to be honest with her parents. On top of that, Lilla is a junior counselor at the campus museum's summer science program, which means that her best girlfriend didn't get that desirable position. When she is sexually harassed by the frat boy head counsellor, the program director tells her that it's not a big deal, is normal, and is a result of how she dressed. Keep in mind that she is 12. Sound like a full plate for a middle school summer? I'd say yes, and realistically so.
Lilla's introvert perspective will resonate with readers who are uncomfortable with confrontation. Lilla's experience with dress codes and harassment shines a light on an unacceptable universal female experience. Lilla and her two best friends' response to Lilla's experience is something incredible to behold and will hopefully give young readers confidence and support, whether they observe or experience harassment. Summer of Brave will resonate with introverts and girls and will be a fascinating look at the opposite experience for extroverts and boys. I highly recommend it highly. Summer of Brave is one of the best middle grade books I've read. The craftsmanship of Parks calls to mind Lois Lowry's.
Note: A review copy was provided for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
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