The Summer of May by Cecilia Galante (release date: April 26, 2011)

I finished this book a few weeks ago, so I am little late putting this review up. But don't take my hesitation as an indication that I didn't love it.. because I did!

When reviewing a book, lots of people say "I read this book in one night!" or "I just blew through this novel, in a hour!"  but the truth is, they skipped through it, skimming the plot. They blow through the book, love it for a few minutes, then quickly forget out it.

I did read The Summer of May in one night. But I didn't just speed through it. It took hours. I took my  time, because I really loved the characters.  And I didn't just toss it off the side of the bed and forget it. I lay there and wondered about the characters and how their lives continued. I felt a little protective of the main character, as if I were a overbearing aunt.

So, what's so great about it?  Well, everything I guess. I should tell you that The Summer of May is a YA novel.. or well ... Pre-YA? I think it's going to be marketed to 9-13 year olds. What category is that? Anyway, it doesn't matter, because a great book is a great book.. I don't care who it's marketed for.  I loved it. I plan on passing to my 8 year old daughter next year and I know she will love it too.

All right, so... the synopsis. May is a troubled young girl. She is living in a rough area of town, in a rented shabby apartment with her father and grandmother.  Her father is always working, but when he's not, he's picking fights with May over her behavior at school or insolence at home.  Her once feisty grandmother spends all day in her bed, staring sadly at old photos and playing solitaire.  May is a sad, angry child.  She acts out in school, argues with friends and misses her mother immensely. Her mother's whereabouts are not revealed until much later in the book.

After a defiant act of rebellion against her least favorite teacher, May is forced to attend summer school or face expulsion.  But she is surprised to find that she is not attending the normal summer school program. Her overly stern English teacher, has other plans for her.

Basically, The Summer of May is a book about closure. I was truly amazed at the amount of depth that this book had.  Unfortunately, many books aimed at this age group are "fluff", full of crazy boy crushes and popularity contest dramas.  If you want your child to read something with some heart, make sure you pick this book up for her in April.  While you're at it, pick one up for yourself.

 Cecilia Galante is an immensely talented author. Check our her website for other fantastic novels.  And best of all, she's uber friendly and we are hoping to post an author interview in the near future!  In the meantime, go buy her books!!!

*I required to let you know that I recieved a free e-galley version of this book form Simon and Schuster.