Summer and July

Twelve-year-old Juillet is preparing for the worst summer ever. She and her mom are staying in the seaside neighborhood of Ocean Park, California, for a month, where her mom will be working at the local hospital and Juillet will be on her own, like always.

Her dad is off in Europe with his new girlfriend, and her best friend, Fern . . . well, Juiller isn’t allowed to talk to Fern anymore. Fern took the blame for Juillet’s goth-girl clothes and “not-real” fears, like sharks and rip currents and the number three.

Then Juillet meets Summer, a local surfer girl who knows the coolest people and places around town. With free-spirited and adventurous Summer, Juillet begins to come out of her shell and face the things weighing her down. But when Summer reveals her own painful secret, it’s Juillet’s turn to be the strong and supportive friend.

Named one of Bank Street College of Education's Best Children’s Books of the Year!

What happens when the girl who seems to fear nothing is the one who needs saving most?

• An Unlikely Friendship: She’s a goth girl from Michigan defined by her anxieties; she’s a free-spirited surfer who lives for the waves. When Juillet and Summer meet, one unforgettable month changes everything.
• A Summer of Facing Fears: For Juillet, that means confronting her list of “not-real” fears, from sharks to the number three. But she’ll soon learn that even the bravest friends have secrets they’re afraid to face.
• Emotional and Heartfelt Story: A powerful coming-of-age journey about finding your strength, the family you choose, and the quiet pain that can hide behind the brightest smile.
• Perfect for Middle School Readers: Fans of Rebecca Stead and Erin Entrada Kelly will love this moving, character-driven story about the courage it takes to be a true friend.