Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
Loading... The Summer of the Swans (1970)by Betsy Byars
» 10 more Loading...
Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book.
I re-read this book that I loved so much as a child. Basically, this book is perfect. The trend in children's books now is that you have to grab the reader by the throat in the opening line and have non-stop action. But this gentle, contemplative book is of its time (the '70s) and is essentially character-driven. I remember as a nine-year old thinking this book was really "deep"--and I still think so! Also, I was really amazed at Betsy Byears' dead-on portrayal of autism, even though she doesn't call it that because people didn't usually receive that diagnosis back then. (Charlie had a high fever as a baby, then stopped speaking, and now stims on beautiful objects, has poor fine-motor skills, has trouble with transitions, and needs his routine.) Charlie and Sara are both very lovable characters and their small-town world is so real. Sara is restless, unhappy with her life, angry at the world. Her older sister is beautiful and has a boyfriend, and her younger brother Charlie is a burden, a pest. He hasn't spoken since he had a high fever six years ago. When Charlie wanders away overnight Sara's priorities change, and she discovers friendship in those she considered enemies. Realistic, not overly-whiny as some teen stories tend to be, recommended. no reviews | add a review
Belongs to Publisher SeriesNuorten toivekirjasto (211) Is contained inHas as a student's study guideHas as a teacher's guideAwardsNotable Lists
A teen-age girl gains new insight into herself and her family when her developmentally disabled brother gets lost. No library descriptions found.
|
Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)813.54Literature English (North America) American fiction 20th Century 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. |
This book won a Newberry Award. I’m pretty sure I read it a long time ago, some parts felt very familiar to me. It does feel quite dated, the dialog in particular is so seventies feeling. But still a very good read. ( )