Randy's Summer - A Story for Girls

Amy Brooks

Summary

In "Randy's Summer," Amy Brooks explores the bittersweet complexities of adolescence through the eyes of a perceptive young boy named Randy. Set against the vibrant tapestry of a small coastal town during the 1980s, the novel deftly weaves nostalgia with the heavier themes of identity, friendship, and loss. Brooks employs a lyrical yet accessible style, characterized by rich imagery and poignant dialogue that invites readers to immerse themselves in the emotive landscape of youth. As Randy navigates the challenges of growing up, the narrative encapsulates a time where personal connection was often tempered by the age of burgeoning technology, reflecting a transitional period in both societal norms and personal development. Amy Brooks, an acclaimed novelist known for her evocative storytelling, draws from her own experiences growing up in a small town. Her background in psychology informs her nuanced portrayal of her characters' emotional landscapes, making "Randy's Summer" not only a reflection of adolescence but also a nuanced exploration of human psychology and resilience. This synthesis of personal history and literary craft positions Brooks as a unique voice in contemporary literature. This novel is an essential read for anyone interested in the universal themes of youth and the tender tumult of coming-of-age. Brooks'Äô ability to capture the essence of summer'Äîits warmth, its fleeting nature, and its moments of profound clarity'Äîmakes "Randy's Summer" a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own journeys through the trials of growing up.

Available since: 09/17/2023.

Print length: 101 pages.

Other books that might interest you

The Boo-Boos That Changed the...

Barry Wittenstein

Did you know Band-Aids were invented by accident?! And that they weren't mass-produced until the Boy Scouts gave their seal of approval? 1920s cotton buyer Earle Dickson worked for Johnson & Johnson and had a klutzy wife who often cut herself. The son of a doctor, Earle set out to create an easier way for her to bandage her injuries. Band-Aids were born, but Earle's bosses at the pharmaceutical giant weren't convinced, and it wasn't until the Boy Scouts of America tested Earle's prototype that this ubiquitous household staple was made available to the public. Soon Band-Aids were selling like hotcakes, and the rest is boo-boo history.

Show book

Elvis and the World As It Stands

Lisa Frenkel Riddiough

Georgina watches me. She doesn’t try to poke me or pull my tail. She doesn’t push her face into mine, and she speaks very softly. “Welcome,” she says. 
 
Most shelter animals dream of going home with a forever family. But for Elvis, being chosen by Mrs. Pemberton is a nightmare. He’s been taken away from his sister, Etta, and is determined to get back to the shelter to find her. 
 
In spite of himself, Elvis becomes curious about ten-year-old Georgina Pemberton, who builds LEGO skyscrapers in her bedroom while navigating her parents’ divorce. The longer he’s in his new home, the more he starts recognizing new feelings: admiration for Georgina’s  
creations, affection for the other pets, and even empathy for the Pembertons—despite his longing for Etta. 
 
As Georgina sets out to build her most impressive skyscrapers yet, the Twin Towers, Elvis realizes that maybe both humans and animals have felt the pain of loss, but with some resilience and hope, we all possess the strength to rebuild. 
 
“Elvis’s journey is sweet and funny and profound.”—Eliot Schrefer, National Book Award finalist

Show book

Impact!

Elizabeth Rusch

In this this thrilling entry into the Scientists in the Field series, follow scientists as they search for dangerous asteroids in space, study asteroids that have crashed into the ground, and strive to prevent an asteroid strike if one ever threatens our planet. 
Asteroids bombard our atmosphere all the time. Some are harmless, burning up in a flash of light. But others explode with a great sonic boom, smashing windows and throwing people to the ground. Worst of all, some asteroids strike our planet, blasting out massive craters and destroying everything nearby on impact. 
Follow the award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch into the field with scientists as they search for dangerous asteroids in space, study asteroids that have smashed into the ground, and make plans to prevent an asteroid strike if one ever threatens our planet.  
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Show book

Where You've Got to Be

Caroline Gertler

“Heartfelt, honest, and beautifully told—Nolie’s NYC story is a must-read. Bonus points for an absolutely amazing Grandma character!”—Lisa Greenwald, author of The Friendship List and TBH series
Feeling left behind by both her sister and her best friend, Nolie tries her best to belong but soon finds herself at a moral crossroads. Set in the bustle of New York City during the Jewish High Holy Days, Where You’ve Got to Be is an accessible story about identities and relationships—the ones you keep and ones you let go. Pitch-perfect for tween readers who love Rebecca Stead, Holly Goldberg Sloan, and contemporary realistic stories.
Nolie’s sister, Linden, may be only fourteen months older than she is, but suddenly that feels longer than it ever has before. Linden is growing up. She cuts short their Cousins Week at Grandma’s beach cottage to focus on excelling in her ballet auditions, and she throws away the seashell necklace Grandma gave each of them—though Nolie secretly saves it. Even Nolie’s best friend, Jessa, is suddenly trying to act older and cooler, and she wants Nolie to be someone different, too.
With everything and everyone changing around her, Nolie starts to feel adrift. Should she be changing, too? Who does she want to be? One impulsive decision leads to another and another . . . until Nolie has a secret collection of things that don’t belong to her. Now, Nolie must face the fact that she may have ended up on the wrong path so she can start to find her way back.
This voice-driven listen hits the sweet spot for readers of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and Finding Orion.

Show book

Blue Whales

Rachel Grack

Blue whales are the largest animals in the world. But even these gentle giants face danger from humans. In this leveled text, readers will learn about the threats facing blue whales as well as some of the ways that people are trying to save them from extinction. Visual features highlight the factors leading to the decline of blue whales and show the environmental benefits of the whale. Other features highlight the range, life span, and status of blue whales.

Show book

3rd Grade Vocabulary Enhancer -...

Sophia Mitchell

This captivating and educational vocabulary-building audiobook is expertly crafted for 3rd graders, blending the excitement of storytelling with interactive learning experiences. It introduces a carefully curated selection of words that are perfectly suited for third-grade students, ensuring that the vocabulary is challenging yet appropriate for their age group.At the heart of this audiobook is the use of words in context. Each new word is integrated into engaging stories and real-life situations, helping children understand how the vocabulary fits into daily conversations and narratives. This approach not only aids in memorizing new words but also enhances listening comprehension and critical thinking skills.Each word is accompanied by a clear, easy-to-understand definition, read in a friendly and engaging tone. This approach solidifies the understanding of each term and is supplemented with examples of synonyms and antonyms, broadening the young listeners' linguistic knowledge.To make the learning process more interactive and effective, the audiobook includes quiz questions at strategic intervals. These quizzes are designed to be enjoyable and thought-provoking, encouraging children to recall and use the words they've learned. This interactive element fosters active participation and solidifies the learning experience.The stories within the audiobook are tailored to be relatable and captivating, featuring themes, characters, and scenarios that resonate with 3rd graders. This ensures that the learning process is not only educational but also immensely enjoyable. The narration is performed by a diverse range of voices, adding dynamism and keeping the children engaged.Overall, this audiobook is a comprehensive vocabulary-building tool for 3rd graders, offering an enriching, enjoyable, and highly effective approach to language learning. It is an invaluable resource for parents and educators looking to enhance the vocabulary and language skills of their child

Show book