Loon Cove Summer

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.

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.

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, Cathy Carr, and Joan Bauer.

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:

"Measured prose conveys emotional complexity with a lighthearted touch, allowing space for sorrow and joy to coexist and offering a nuanced portrayal of a girl contending with grief. It’s a tender and uplifting story about healing through caring for the natural world." – Publishers Weekly

“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