ISBN 978-0-9941237-0-1
Junior fiction 8–12 years
130x198mm, paperback
RRP $25
2017 New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults Winner — Best First Book
2017 New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults Finalist — Esther Glen Junior Fiction Award
What the judges say:
‘A fast paced narrative that encompasses wit, wile and
wisdom. Summer is a dynamic character who shows growth and perseverance, embodying all the attributes of a strong female protagonist. The narrative explores a variety of societal issues – family relationships, classroom politics, friendships and land rights. A superb, fun-filled read.’
Making people laugh is what Summer does best. It’s how she fits in. And is it any wonder with a family like hers? Top of the list of crazies is Pop, her stingy grandfather, who whips up possum stews and turns chicken scraps into the worst school lunches ever.
So why does Juanita suddenly want to be her friend? Juanita’s not her type, she has real sandwiches in her lunchbox, and does nice things like saving greyhounds and sticking up for people.
And then Pop gets himself a dangerous girlfriend with a mysterious past. Summer has to do something. Apple works in the crystal shop and knows a thing or two about love potions – can she brew an un-love potion? Juanita’s keen to help. But what if she discovers all the other embarrassing stuff – what if she finds out … everything?
About the author
With a name like Julie Lamb you won’t be surprised to learn this author has lived in the New Zealand countryside for most of her life. Also no surprise that Julie’s first novel is about a girl living on a farm with her grandfather.
Julie has always spent a lot of time thinking up stories in her head, but she properly started writing when her children Louis and Bella were growing up in Greytown and wanted more stories about crazy, funny kids. That’s how a girl called Summer Rain was born.
Julie believes there is more to the world than what we see in front of us. She says it’s a kind of magic, which works itself out in all sorts of ways. Julie tries to capture that magic in her stories, and one day hopes to grow a set of wings, even if only on the inside.