Together with her mum and brother Miles, 12-year-old Cedar is trying to make sense of her life, a year after the accident that took the lives of her father and little brother. Summer in a new home in her mum’s hometown tentatively offers Cedar fresh hope…but grief is never far away. Everything changes when she meets the energetic and enterprising Leo; working together at the local Shakespeare festival (and an old-town mystery) provides a wonderful tonic.

The internationally bestselling author of The Matched series for young adults makes her debut for younger readers readers and delivers a big-hearted story that is honest, sometimes sad but always life-affirming. Summerlost deftly explores the process of grief, the wonder of friendship and the power of family. I loved its spirit, its insightful portrait of emotional uncertainty and its gentle resolution. Highly recommended for readers 10–13, especially fans of Rebecca Stead.

Athina Clarke is a Children’s & YA Book Specialist at Readings Malvern.