In "The Mending Summer" by Jesse Vilinsky, a young girl named Bess navigates the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and family dynamics during a transformative summer. As her life intersects with the vibrant personalities in her small town, Bess grapples with her own insecurities and the pressures of growing up. When a secret she holds begins to unravel, she must confront her fears and learn the importance of resilience and connection. Through laughter and heartache, Bess discovers the power of mending relationships and embracing change, ultimately shaping her identity and understanding of love and friendship. [Generated by language model - please report any problems].

This book has been graded for interest at 8-12 years.

This book was published in 2021 by HarperCollins Publishers Inc .

Ali Standish, author of the critically acclaimed The Ethan I Was Before, split her time growing up between North Carolina and several imaginary worlds. The only award she ever won in school was for messiest desk, but that didn't stop her from going on to get degrees from Pomona College, Hollins University and the University of Cambridge. She still spends most of her time in her imagination, but you might just spot her walking her two rescue dogs with her Finnish husband around her neighbourhood in North Carolina. You can visit her online at www. alistandish. com.