Summer Sanctuary
Laurie Gray
Gold Medalist 2010 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Finalist - 2011 Best Book of Indiana
Matthew knows that this summer is going to be the worst ever. His best friend Kyle is gone, his younger brother Mark has surpassed him in size and athletic ability, and his mother is pregnant for the fifth time.
The eldest home-schooled son of a preacher, Matthew plans to bury himself in books about the speed of light and Einstein's Theory of Relativity to see if he can prove his own theory about the dilation of time.
Instead, he befriends Dinah, a homeless teenager seeking refuge at the library.
Although from very different backgrounds, Matthew and Dinah come to realize that they have a great deal in common--their love for music and for cans of olives and potato chips found in a supermarket dumpster that are just past the sell-by date... and maybe even for each other.
Matthew struggles with his feelings for his own family as he helps Dinah avoid Child Welfare. And in the process, Dinah helps him discover that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a very big difference.
“Summer Sanctuary, exudes a strong voice for the two central characters . . . they learn what it means to measure a person’s worth not based on circumstances, but on the will to survive. Gray has captured the essence of what it means to be a young teen—wanting to grow as an individual while needing the security of a home and loving family. Summer Sanctuary can help guide teens through the difficult transition between childhood and becoming adults.” —Kayleen Reusser, author of Taylor Swift—a Blue Banner Biography
“What a big-hearted story, told with affection and humor. I loved spending time with Matthew and his family and with Dinah, the girl who looks in from outside. Like Dinah, young readers will find a place of welcome and comfort, a true sanctuary, in the pages of this book. Like Matthew, they’ll discover something important about friendship and independence.” —Helen Frost, Printz Honor Award-winning author of Keesha’s House.
“The book is an easy read and is well written to trigger questions in the preteen. The author has dealt with issues of science, religion and interpersonal judgments in a kind and respectful manner, which should delight parents wishing for their children to explore their own inner feelings.” —ReadersFavorite.com 5 Star Review
“Because of my work with junior youth (aged 12 to 15), I’m always on the lookout for books that balance realism with high standards, as well as being approachable while not being patronizing. So when I get my hands on as delightful a book as Summer Sanctuary, you can understand why I would be so excited.”
—Blogcritics.org
The eldest home-schooled son of a preacher, Matthew plans to bury himself in books about the speed of light and Einstein's Theory of Relativity to see if he can prove his own theory about the dilation of time.
Instead, he befriends Dinah, a homeless teenager seeking refuge at the library.
Although from very different backgrounds, Matthew and Dinah come to realize that they have a great deal in common--their love for music and for cans of olives and potato chips found in a supermarket dumpster that are just past the sell-by date... and maybe even for each other.
Matthew struggles with his feelings for his own family as he helps Dinah avoid Child Welfare. And in the process, Dinah helps him discover that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a very big difference.
“Summer Sanctuary, exudes a strong voice for the two central characters . . . they learn what it means to measure a person’s worth not based on circumstances, but on the will to survive. Gray has captured the essence of what it means to be a young teen—wanting to grow as an individual while needing the security of a home and loving family. Summer Sanctuary can help guide teens through the difficult transition between childhood and becoming adults.” —Kayleen Reusser, author of Taylor Swift—a Blue Banner Biography
“What a big-hearted story, told with affection and humor. I loved spending time with Matthew and his family and with Dinah, the girl who looks in from outside. Like Dinah, young readers will find a place of welcome and comfort, a true sanctuary, in the pages of this book. Like Matthew, they’ll discover something important about friendship and independence.” —Helen Frost, Printz Honor Award-winning author of Keesha’s House.
“The book is an easy read and is well written to trigger questions in the preteen. The author has dealt with issues of science, religion and interpersonal judgments in a kind and respectful manner, which should delight parents wishing for their children to explore their own inner feelings.” —ReadersFavorite.com 5 Star Review
“Because of my work with junior youth (aged 12 to 15), I’m always on the lookout for books that balance realism with high standards, as well as being approachable while not being patronizing. So when I get my hands on as delightful a book as Summer Sanctuary, you can understand why I would be so excited.”
—Blogcritics.org
| DOWNLOADS | Discussion questions SUMMER SANCTUARY Discussion questions for educators and book groups. |
| Why I wrote SUMMER SANCTUARY Discussion by author, Laurie Gray, about the thought process in developing SUMMER SANCTUARY. |
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Laurie Gray has served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and as an author and lecturer for the National Symposium on Child Abuse. Laurie is the founder of Socratic Parenting, LLC (www.SocraticParenting.com), the co-creator of Token of Change™ (www.TokenofChange.com) and a consultant for Sophie’s Café (www.SophiesCafe.org). Summer Sanctuary is her first young adult novel. |
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Connect Online:
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Upcoming Appearances: Saturday, March 5th, Barnes & Noble, Greyhound Plaza, Carmel, IN noon to 2pm with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. | |
| Paperback | 1-935462-34-2 | $11.95 |
| E-Book | 1-935462-38-5 | $9.95 |
| Category | Childrens - Teens |
| Imprint | Luminis Books |
| Publication Date | 2010-05-15 |
| Publication Status | In Print |
| Trim Size | 5.50 x 8.00 |
| Page Count | 193 |
