The forget-me-not summer

Book Cover
Average Rating
Series
Publisher
Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
Publication Date
©2015.
Language
English

Description

This charming story about three California sisters spending the summer on Cape Cod is perfect for fans of The Penderwicks—as a starred ALA Booklist review raved—and The Mother-Daughter Book Club.

Though Marigold, Zinnia, and Lily Silver couldn’t be more different, they’re all excited about summer vacation. Twelve-year-old Marigold is hoping to get her first kiss from her big crush, while Zinnia, eleven, will most likely spend her time in Marigold’s shadow. And five-year-old Lily, though angelic, has a knack for stirring up mischief wherever she goes.

But all of their plans come crashing down when the sisters’ parents send them to Cape Cod to visit their Aunt Sunny. Small-town life is not what these LA girls had in mind. They must adjust, however, to things like sharing a room and living without a TV. With the help of Aunt Sunny’s cheery disposition and her yummy brownies, though, the girls are quickly won over, and before Marigold, Zinnie, and Lily know it, they’re cracking lobster shells at clambakes, making new friends, and even organizing a local talent show.

Full of moments both humorous and reflective, The Forget-Me-Not Summer is a story about three girls facing their fears, adjusting to change, and learning how to band together as the strongest version of themselves: sisters. Be sure to catch the sequel, The Brightest Stars of Summer, for more fun on Cape Cod!

More Details

ISBN
9780062318695

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Also in this Series

  • The forget-me-not summer (Silver sisters Volume 1) Cover
  • The brightest stars of summer (Silver sisters Volume 2) Cover
  • The silver moon of summer (Silver sisters Volume 3) Cover

Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Family relationships take center stage in both of these character-driven, realistic series set during summers by the seaside. Silver stars a group of sisters of different ages, while Islanders follows one eleven-year-old boy. -- Stephen Ashley
These series have the appeal factors feel-good, character-driven, and multiple perspectives, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "sisters," "best friends," and "mothers and daughters"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These series have the appeal factors sweet and character-driven, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subject "sisters"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."
These series have the appeal factors feel-good and character-driven, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "sisters" and "mothers and daughters"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These series have the appeal factors multiple perspectives, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "sisters" and "weddings"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These series have the appeal factors feel-good and upbeat, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; and the subject "sisters."
These series have the appeal factors feel-good and character-driven, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subject "sisters"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These series have the appeal factors character-driven, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "sisters," "aunts," and "weddings"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."
These series have the appeal factors character-driven, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subject "summer"; and characters that are "authentic characters."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the appeal factors angst-filled and character-driven, and they have the subjects "talent shows" and "preteen girls"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."
These books have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "summer," "preteen girls," and "twelve-year-old girls"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."
These books have the appeal factors angst-filled and character-driven, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "aunts," "sisters," and "preteen girls"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."
These books have the appeal factors angst-filled, character-driven, and multiple perspectives, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subject "preteen girls"; and characters that are "authentic characters," "sympathetic characters," and "well-developed characters."
These books have the themes "trouble at home" and "set the stage"; the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "sisters," "preteen girls," and "mothers and daughters"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
Though their seaside summer destinations might not have all the modern conveniences, the kids in these heartwarming, feel-good reads find fun with new friends, as well as new understanding of their family members. -- Rebecca Honeycutt
These books have the appeal factors character-driven, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."
These books have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "summer," "coastal towns," and "sisters"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These books have the appeal factors feel-good and multiple perspectives, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "summer," "sisters," and "children of separated parents"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "well-developed characters."
These books have the theme "set the stage"; the subjects "summer," "preteen girls," and "eleven-year-old girls"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These books have the theme "trouble at home"; the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "coastal towns" and "preteen girls"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
Though Forget-Me-Not Summer offers more drama than the down-to-earth Secret Sisters, both sweet stories will grab readers who are looking for feel-good vacation reads. -- Rebecca Honeycutt

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These authors' works have the subjects "summer," "sisters," and "preteen girls"; and characters that are "authentic characters," "introspective characters," and "sympathetic characters."
These authors' works have the appeal factors multiple perspectives, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; and the subjects "preteen girls" and "fifteen-year-old girls."
These authors' works have the appeal factors multiple perspectives, and they have the subjects "summer," "preteen girls," and "children of divorced parents"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."
These authors' works have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "preteen girls," "children of divorced parents," and "children of separated parents"; and characters that are "authentic characters."
These authors' works have the genres "contemporary romances" and "realistic fiction"; and the subjects "preteen girls," "teenage girls," and "preteens."
These authors' works have the subjects "sisters," "preteen girls," and "children of divorced parents"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."
These authors' works have the genre "realistic fiction"; and the subjects "summer," "sisters," and "aunts."
These authors' works have the genre "contemporary romances"; and the subjects "children of divorced parents" and "single-parent families."
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These authors' works have the subjects "aunts," "children of divorced parents," and "children of separated parents."
These authors' works have the genre "realistic fiction"; and the subjects "preteen girls," "children of divorced parents," and "twelve-year-old girls."
These authors' works have the appeal factors moving and multiple perspectives, and they have the genre "realistic fiction"; the subjects "children of divorced parents" and "children and single parent dating"; and characters that are "authentic characters" and "sympathetic characters."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* Sisters Marigold, 12, Zinnia, 11, and Lily, 5, live in L.A., but when their parents must travel for their movie-industry jobs, the girls are sent to stay with great-aunt Sunny on Cape Cod. Zinnia and Lily get with the program, but Marigold, whose acting career is taking off, is not pleased. This has many familiar elements of sibling stories: Marigold is the shallow, pretty one; Zinnia, short and round with frizzy hair, is clever and funny; and Lily is the glue that holds them together when things are falling apart. But Howland goes deeper with these characters and gives them more nuance than is often seen in middle-grade fiction. On Cape Cod, the story also goes to expected places, but readers will adore the descriptions of life at the beach, the evolving relationship between Marigold and Zinnia (told in alternating points of view), and the showbiz stardust that follows them even to a tiny beach town. Reminiscent of the Penderwicks series, this also hearkens back to the timeless tales of Elizabeth Enright and Noel Streatfeild. Readers will be drawn in by the charming cover, all sisters and sunshine, and once inside, they will find a book that might well become a favorite.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2015 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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School Library Journal Review

Gr 5-7-Marigold, Zinnie, and Lily Silver live in Los Angeles with their screenwriter dad and editor mom. When both parents get out-of-town jobs, the girls are unwillingly shipped to the coastal town of Pruet, MA, to stay with their Aunt Sunny. Twelve-year-old Marigold is livid. She has just gotten an agent for her budding acting career plus an opportunity to audition for her favorite book-turned-movie, Nite Sprites. Spunky Aunt Sunny merrily greets the trio with the distressing news that there is no cell phone reception, no TV, and a slow internet connection. But the house is inviting, Aunt Sunny cooks delicious pancakes, and the girls are allowed to go to the beach by themselves. The sisters excitedly learn that Philip Rathbone, the producer of Nite Sprites, has a Pruet summer home. A community talent show seems like just the thing to catch his eye, so Zinnie goes about writing an original play that will spotlight Marigold's acting ability. The producer turns up to judge the show, along with catty teenage megastar Amanda Mills, forcing Marigold to make a crucial choice. Should she stay loyal to the family and town she has learned to love or turn her back in order to impress the Hollywood glitterati? The cozy, connected characters and activities of Pruet, complete with clambakes, amateur talent shows, and first kisses, are the perfect antidote for a girl caught up in the empty allures of technology and stardom. Zinnie also makes self-discoveries-she may not have the traditional beauty and acting talent of Marigold, but she is creative and resilient. The real-life dynamics between the sisters is humorous and touching. VERDICT This heartwarming story is hard to put down.-Diane McCabe, John Muir Elementary, Santa Monica, CA (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Horn Book Review

Californian sisters Marigold (twelve), Zinnia (eleven), and Lily (five) spend three weeks on Cape Cod with their great-aunt while their parents travel for work. They worry that a summer with no TV or cell signal will be awful but instead find their own fun, grow closer, and each discover who they are. A sunny choice for fans of The Penderwicks and other family stories. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

When job opportunities prevent their parents from staying in Los Angeles for the summer, Zinnia, Marigold, and Lily are sent, unhappily, across the country to great-aunt Sunny's. Twelve-year-old Marigold aspires to a career in acting: she already has a bit television role and an agent. Eleven-year-old "Zinnie," the middle sister, lives in Marigold's shadow, wanting to be just like her. Lily, at 5, is cared for by a nanny. The culture shock of small coastal Pruet, Massachusettsno television, no cellphone coverage, sharing one bedroomlessens as the girls settle into its charm and ease, making friends, going to clambakes and dances, and even putting on a talent show. Beginning with its cover, the novel has an old-fashioned sweetnessa sweetness that avoids cloying by the quality of Howland's writing and her character development, especially of Zinnie. For although Zinnie's and Marigold's voices alternate, this is more the middle sister's story. Marigold grows, learning the shallowness of her favorite actress and the importance of family, but Zinnie is the one who steps out of the shadow of her sister, takes a risk, and discovers her own dream to follow. An old-fashioned story well-told, with engaging charactersa beach read for preteens that is as comfortable as the old tennis shoes worn on the Massachusetts shore. (Fiction. 9-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* Sisters Marigold, 12, Zinnia, 11, and Lily, 5, live in L.A., but when their parents must travel for their movie-industry jobs, the girls are sent to stay with great-aunt Sunny on Cape Cod. Zinnia and Lily get with the program, but Marigold, whose acting career is taking off, is not pleased. This has many familiar elements of sibling stories: Marigold is the shallow, pretty one; Zinnia, short and round with frizzy hair, is clever and funny; and Lily is the glue that holds them together when things are falling apart. But Howland goes deeper with these characters and gives them more nuance than is often seen in middle-grade fiction. On Cape Cod, the story also goes to expected places, but readers will adore the descriptions of life at the beach, the evolving relationship between Marigold and Zinnia (told in alternating points of view), and the showbiz stardust that follows them even to a tiny beach town. Reminiscent of the Penderwicks series, this also hearkens back to the timeless tales of Elizabeth Enright and Noel Streatfeild. Readers will be drawn in by the charming cover, all sisters and sunshine, and once inside, they will find a book that might well become a favorite. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.
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School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 5–7—Marigold, Zinnie, and Lily Silver live in Los Angeles with their screenwriter dad and editor mom. When both parents get out-of-town jobs, the girls are unwillingly shipped to the coastal town of Pruet, MA, to stay with their Aunt Sunny. Twelve-year-old Marigold is livid. She has just gotten an agent for her budding acting career plus an opportunity to audition for her favorite book-turned-movie, Nite Sprites. Spunky Aunt Sunny merrily greets the trio with the distressing news that there is no cell phone reception, no TV, and a slow internet connection. But the house is inviting, Aunt Sunny cooks delicious pancakes, and the girls are allowed to go to the beach by themselves. The sisters excitedly learn that Philip Rathbone, the producer of Nite Sprites, has a Pruet summer home. A community talent show seems like just the thing to catch his eye, so Zinnie goes about writing an original play that will spotlight Marigold's acting ability. The producer turns up to judge the show, along with catty teenage megastar Amanda Mills, forcing Marigold to make a crucial choice. Should she stay loyal to the family and town she has learned to love or turn her back in order to impress the Hollywood glitterati? The cozy, connected characters and activities of Pruet, complete with clambakes, amateur talent shows, and first kisses, are the perfect antidote for a girl caught up in the empty allures of technology and stardom. Zinnie also makes self-discoveries—she may not have the traditional beauty and acting talent of Marigold, but she is creative and resilient. The real-life dynamics between the sisters is humorous and touching. VERDICT This heartwarming story is hard to put down.—Diane McCabe, John Muir Elementary, Santa Monica, CA

[Page 136]. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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