A Million Miles from Boston

Gr 4—7—Every summer 12-year-old Lucy, her father, and her little brother head up to Maine, where they are far from their usual cares and able to take solace in the familiarity and traditions of their seasonal community. However, this year, Ian, an obnoxious boy from back home, and his family take up residence close by. On top of trying to deal with her mixed emotions about him, Lucy is trying to run a camp for the younger kids, fit in with the older kids, and, at all costs, avoid her dad's new girlfriend. Day has written a great book that deals with a variety of believable interpersonal relationships and transitions. Lucy is a sweet girl who is trying to do the right things, while juggling the confusing world of tweendom. Playing a major part in the story is the fact that her mom died when she was six and her grief is thoughtfully interwoven throughout the story. Over the course of the summer, Lucy learns a variety of lessons about family, growing up, and judging others, although the book is far from preachy.—Kerry Roeder, The Brearley School, New York City