The Best Worst Summer

As summer begins, rising sixth grader Peyton sees it as “the absolute worst summer in the history of summers.” Her family has moved from Minneapolis to Lake Springs, Minn., for her mother’s new job, and Peyton sorely misses her best friend. Then she discovers a time capsule buried in her backyard containing a cassette tape, half a best friends necklace, a photo of two girls her own age, and a note of apology: “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” Now, Peyton becomes eager to find out who the girls were and what happened to their friendship. While researching in the local library, she meets Lucas, who uses a wheelchair and offers to help her. Soon, the two, both seemingly white, are engrossed in solving the mystery of the two girls, forging a friendship of their own. Deftly switching between the present and the 1980s friendship of white Melissa and Korean adoptee Jess—an accounting that includes moments of prejudice and familial strife—accomplished mystery writer Eulberg (the Great Shelby Holmes series) highlights the differences between the time frames alongside the timelessness of friendship and misunderstandings. Though clues rely a touch heavily on coincidence, distinctly drawn protagonists in both eras face relatable challenges. Ages 8–12. [em]Agent: Erin Malone, William Morris Endeavor. (May) [/em]