Looking for that perfect read for kids ages 9-13? Loon Cove Summer explores grief, courage, and conservation in a powerful lakeside adventure. Adventure Story for Kids 9-13 and Teens. Friendship, environmental causes, family, Appalachian Trail, lakes, camping, nature, adventure, coming-of-age, bird conservation, grief and loss. Great for STEM Teachers, Librarians, Summer Reading, and Classrooms. Perfect for fans of: - Nature, survival stories, great outdoors, STEM adventure, and environmental causes. - Books for kids 9 - 13, tweens, and early teen readers. - Readers of Erin Entrada Kelly, R.J. Palacio, Sharon Draper, Paul Greci, and Joan Bauer. This summer, 13-year-old Sarah Richardson is determined to get her life unstuck. Her goals? Swim in the lake again. Protect the loons. Stop aching for her mom. Volunteering at a wild bird rescue center is a bright spot - especially when she meets Theo, a boy who shares her passion for nature and conservation. However, life at her family’s Maine campground is shifting. A potential move threatens her home. Her dad might be dating Theo’s aunt, a wildlife researcher. Grief over her mother’s death resurfaces in painful new ways. To reclaim her voice, Sarah finds bold inspiration in her late mom’s Appalachian Trail journal - and sets out on a solo wilderness trek. As Sarah’s world unravels, her daring journey becomes more than just an adventure - it’s a test of courage, heart, and what it really means to find your place in the wild and in the world. Snapshot: - A poignant story steeped in friendship and family alongside hilarity and grief. - For readers searching for meaning and adventure in their own world of firsts. - A multi-generational cast of witty, quirky characters full of sweet encounters. - Richly drawn lakeside, camp setting with a wildlife conservation theme. Praise for Loon Cove Summer: “An original and fun read from start to finish … inherently compelling and skillfully crafted. With its unexpected plot twists and deftly crafted characters, unreservedly recommended.” – Midwest Book Review “A warm-hearted novel … balances profound loss with humor and hope.” – Kate Allen, author of The Line Tender “A page-turning read set in the wilds of Maine.” – Paul Greci, author of Surviving Bear Island "As sparkling, refreshing, and mysterious as a Maine lake in summertime.” – Cathy Carr, author of 365 Days to Alaska “The cast of unforgettable characters and tender relationships stays with you.” – Jessica Rinker, author of The Dare Sisters "An original and fun read from start to finish, Loon Cove Summer is an inherently compelling and skillfully crafted story that showcases author Donna Galanti's distinctive and narrative driven storytelling style. With its unexpected plot twists and deftly crafted characters, this thoroughly 'kid friendly' action/adventure novel is especially and unreservedly recommended." - MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW "A warm-hearted novel, Loon Cove Summer shows how being open to new possibilities and connections can be a powerful remedy for grief. Readers will love the multi-generational cast of characters, all residents of the lakeside campground that 13-year-old Sarah's family struggles to keep afloat. Maine provides a rich setting for this charming novel that balances profound loss with humor and hope." - KATE ALLEN, national bestselling author of The Line Tender "This funny and heartfelt novel with a cast of witty eccentrics reminded me that sadness and hilarity can walk hand-in-hand. As sparkling, refreshing, and mysterious as a Maine lake in summertime." - CATHY CARR, author of 365 Days to Alaska " Loon Cove Summer is a page-turning read set in the wilds of Maine offering an intimate look into a thirteen-year-old girl as she navigates the loss of her mother and her father's subsequent depression." - PAUL GRECI, author of Surviving Bear Island "In this unique and memorable setting, Galanti's lyrical prose and skillful balancing of humor and grief, will make you feel like you've just spent a summer at sleepaway camp with close friends. The cast of unforgettable characters and tender relationships stays with you, making Loon Cove Summer the perfect beach-or campground-read for any young person searching for meaning and adventure in their own world of firsts." - JESSICA RINKER, author of The Dare Sisters Donna Galanti wanted to be a writer ever since she attended an English school, housed in a magical castle, where her wild imagination was held back only by her itchy uniform (bowler hat and tie included!). She's the author of the popular illustrated middle-grade Unicorn Island series that School Library Journal says, "fans of unicorns and magic in the real world will enjoy" and the fantasy adventures, Joshua and the Lightning Road and Joshua and the Arrow Realm. Donna also writes thrillers for adults with her Element Trilogy paranormal suspense series. She has lived in fun locations including England, her family-owned campground in