Summer Days, Starry Nights

About this book

A famous rock star, a family secret and a boy with a great smile make for one unforgettable summer.

It's 1962, and thirteen-year-old Reenie Starr comes alive the minute guests begin to arrive at her family's summer resort. She dreams of the day she can run Sandy Shores, and she spends her time helping out at the resort, swimming, climbing trees, and singing under the stars.

One day, Reenie's mother announces that she thinks the resort could use some entertainment. She invites Gwen, her best friend's almost-grown daughter, to come and teach a dance class. Although Gwen seems sad and remote, Reenie's thrilled to have her there.

As Reenie starts to learn more about the world beyond Sandy Shores, she comes up with a plan that could really put it on the map. She also finds herself caught between the simpler world of her childhood and all of the wonderful new discoveries (boys) and heartaches (boys) that growing up can bring. Reenie thought she wanted Sandy Shores to never change, but after this summer nothing will ever be the same again.

With the same humour and insight that she brought to the acclaimed Words That Start With B, Vikki VanSickle expertly captures those lazy, hazy, crazy days of the last summer before high school. Though set in a different time, Summer Days, Starry Nights is sure to resonate with all young readers on the verge of adolescence.

Reviews

"Through Reenie's innocent eyes, author Vikki VanSickle beautifully captures the novel's time and place . . . It's hard not to fall in love with Reenie's favourite place. And it's just as hard not to fall in love with Reenie." —Quill & Quire

"Summer Days, Starry Nights examines the delicate balance between individuality and preserving our sense of home." —The National Post

"This latest offering from Vikki VanSickle is a perfect summer read, capturing all of the magic and warmth and dreaminess of summer as we all long for it to be." —Open Book Toronto