Lindsay Eland

A Summer of Sundays is about Sunday Fowler who is the third child of six in her family. When she is left at a gas station by her family and is never missed, her perception of being ignored by her family is reinforced by their actions. Sunday's father has taken a summer job in Alma, PA helping to restore the town's old library and put it back into regular use. The family joins him there, and Sunday is determined to make her mark and somehow show her family that she is somebody. Sunday latches onto the story of Lee Wren, a famous author who lived in Alma. If Sunday can find some hidden secret about Wren that would get the attention of the media, she might finally get noticed. The thing about secrets is that they are secret for a reason, and Sunday finds herself having to make a decision that might change someone's life, and not for the better. In the meantime, we readers find out how important Sunday is to her family and friends by all of the things that she does for them. This is a wonderful coming of age story about a girl who doesn't see her value to her family until it is almost too late. The story was a little slow in the middle, but by the end, all of the build up leads to a satisfying conclusion.… (més)

One of the main reasons I choose to read and review Middle Grade fiction, is that it tends to get overlooked. Out there in the wide world of YA it's easy for the Middle Grade novel, the younger brother let's call him, to get pushed out of the limelight. In actuality there are a ton of really great MG titles out there just calling for readers! So, I go in search of them, I devour them, then I share them with you fine people.

In honor of Polly's antiquated way of speaking, I hereby declare her the most winsome character I have ever met. Her obsession with the novels of Jane Austen and Lucy Maud Montgomery falls in step perfectly with my own youth. Reading and re-reading these classic tales, she allows them to inspire the way that she dresses, her mannerisms, and even the way that she talks to others. I was smitten instantly with Polly's personality! She is much different than most of the younger protagonists I have read before. I giggled out loud when she would accidentally switch from her proper English speech to teenage slang in a ft of excitement. Polly is a sweetheart, plain and simple.

As a twelve year old girl, of course Polly has yet to experience love. Instead, all of her notions about the subject come from the books that she so adores. Which would be fine normally. I mean what girl wouldn't want to be caught up in an age of chivalry and romance? However Polly decides that it is her duty to take up matchmaking, allowing those around her to experience the undying love of Elizabeth and Mr.Darcy. What ensues was so comedic, so sweet, that I literally burst out laughing more than once! Polly's matches end up a little differently than she expects, and our brave, young heroine must learn to put things right.

What I really loved about the whole story was the underlying current of friendship. Underneath all the Austen, all the silliness, was a moral about being a good friend. Polly may not end up with the summer of romance that she was anticipating, but she does learn a lot about real love and what it means. It was refreshing to see such a charming young girl grow up so much in such a short number of pages.

Long story short, I adored this book with all my heart. I will, however, admit that it is probably not for everyone. I've seen others peg Polly as annoying, and I can see where that might stem from. You really need to have a love for MG characters and watching them grow up. You also need to be able to take everything she says and does with a smile and a grain of salt. She's young, people. We were all young once. I for one am proud that Polly has her head in the clouds, and hope she continues it as long as she can! Real teenage life is not nearly as fun.

As I skip off into the distance, my embroidered handkerchief pressed against my bosom, I leave you with one thought. Isn't it time you gave yourself a break from teenage angst and love triangles? If you answered yes, this book is your answer. Sweet, a little bit silly, and very charming, this book is sure to sweep you off your feet! Scones not included.… (més)