Description
Book SynopsisFrom the acclaimed author of Tune It Out and Roll with It comes a “needed, hopeful” (Booklist) middle grade book about a young girl who sets out to overcome her anxiety over the course of one life-changing summer. Twelve-year-old June Delancey is kicking summer off with a bang. She shaves her head and sets two goals: she will beat her anxiety and be the lion she knows she can be, instead of the mouse everyone sees. And she and her single mama will
own their power as fierce, independent females.
With the help of Homer Juarez, the poetry-citing soccer star who believes in June even when she doesn’t believe in herself, she starts a secret library garden and hatches a plan to make her dreams come true. But when her anxiety becomes too much, everything begins to fall apart. It’s going to take more than a haircut and some flowers to set things right. It’s going to take courage and friends and watermelon pie. Forget second chances. This is the summer of new beginnings.
Trade Review"The novel offers a compassionate portrayal of anxiety’s toll and a sweetly supportive mother-daughter relationship. . . An encouraging portrait of living with anxiety." --
Kirkus Reviews"With a sensitive hand, Sumner offers a realistic portrayal of how those around you, therapy, and medication can all work together to help an anxious mind. . . A needed, hopeful book for middle-grade readers on friendship, mental health, and acceptance." -- Booklist
"In a love letter to libraries told in June’s thoughtful voice, Sumner vividly traces one adolescent’s anxiety and its attendant difficulties."
-- Publishers Weekly
