Secrets of the Cicada Summer - Hardcover

Beaty, Andrea

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810994720 ISBN 13: 9780810994720

Publisher: Amulet Books, 2008

Synopsis

From a debut novelist, a heroine who will make you laugh, and will break your heart.

Eleven-year-old Lily has a passion for Nancy Drew stories and a secret she is keeping from those she loves. When summer brings lying, stealing, sneaky Tinny Bridges to town, Lily must be on her guard with this perceptive newcomer, or risk having her secret revealed. But Tinny won’t leave Lily alone. She takes candy from the general store and blames Lily. She tries to steal Lily’s friends and even her father’s affection. Then Tinny goes missing, and only watchful, mystery-loving Lily has any idea what happened to her. But for Lily, finding Tinny means confronting her hidden past.

Funny, poignant, and peopled with memorable characters, this first novel announces a writer of great warmth and talent.

About this title

About the Author

Andrea Beaty is the author of the picture books When Giants Come to Play and Iggy Peck, Architect, and the co-founder of the popular children’s literature blog Threesillychicks.com. She is the recipient of the prestigious Barbara Karlin Grant for picture-book writing from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Naperville, Illinois.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–6—In this evocative debut novel, 12-year-old Lily Mathis has attempted to remain invisible to the 117 residents of Olena, IL, since the death of her brother. For two years she has not spoken a word to anyone, not to her dad, or the kids at school, or the general-store owner Fern, who keeps talking to her even though the child doesn't respond. Lily has been swallowing a secret that has burdened her ever since Pete died, but it's hard, especially after Fern's grandniece moves to town. Tinny has her own secret: she tells lies and steals from Fern, and she catches Lily up in a dangerous intrigue that threatens to harm them both unless Lily can break her silence and speak the truth. The story unfolds in alternating chapters of past and present, slowly unveiling Lily's adoration for her big brother who loved old cars and gangster movies and running through the cornfields at night, leading inevitably to the present-day climax that brings resolution to both girls' problems. Throughout the well-developed plot is Olena, where the drone of the cicadas and the rustling of the cornstalks mingle with the daily conversation of the people. The story is believable because not much happens in this small town, so when tragedy strikes, or strangers appear, or a child goes missing, it is the town that feels it, not just the individuals involved. One part memory, one part mystery, and a generous dose of atmosphere make this the kind of satisfying read that Summer Reading is all about.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library
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About this edition

• Publisher: Amulet Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0810994720
• ISBN 13: 9780810994720
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176