Summer's End

Once again, Couloumbis explores issues of family love and conflict in this tender story set during the Vietnam War era. Although the narrative here is not as taut as in her Getting Near to Baby, the book does accurately depict the Vietnam controversy in terms accessible to young adolescents. At first, Grace resents her older brother Collin when he ruins her 13th birthday by burning his draft card and upsetting his parents. Grace\x92s anger soon becomes mixed with fear and concern after Collin runs off to Canada. Not wanting to get caught up in her parents\x92 feud about her brother\x92 (Grace\x92s mother is empathetic; her father is furious), Grace sneaks off to her grandmother\x92s farm, where relatives are gathering to build a house for Uncle Milford and his bride. Hearing their differing views about serving the country and dodging the draft raises some moral questions for Grace that become more pressing when tragedy hits home. Grace realize that dangers can exist everywhere, not just in Vietnam. Remaining nonjudgmental, the author offers multiple perspectives to ponder while conveying a reassuring message that \x93family was there to catch you\x94 during hard times. Ages 12-up. (May)