She knows the history of every shipwreck of the area,
and always frequents the museum there to get an update from her friend Bobbi.
But this year, Lou has come with her new friend, Hailey, the most popular girl at their school, who is only interested in boys. So, Sid becomes the odd one out.
Eager to please Hailey, Lou seems to fit nicely under the girl’s thumb and agrees with everything she says and suggests.
Even when it concerns her former best friend.
Sid hasn’t got over her parents’ separation yet. Mum has brought along her new boyfriend Tony and his daughter Eva.
Sid feels resentment towards Tony, and the fact that Eva ignores Sid entirely, works well for her, as Eva shows no sign of thawing out towards her.
She is not ready to be part of a blended family.
Hailey makes Sid feel unwanted and worthless at every opportunity. She has stolen the magic that Lou and Sid had together.
Gone is the closeness and ability to be herself. She can't be forced to change, just to fit in.
Sid just needs to find the old Lou again, like buried treasure.
But is that possible when everyone is changing and moving forward?
But friendship arrives when Sid needs it the most and least expects it, in an unusual form.
This is a beautifully told story with a lot of history and information entwined in the characters’ personal lives, and their struggles to remain true to themselves, while they overcome and adapt to life’s changes.
Perfect prose and strong, interesting characters, and fast-paced action and excitement fills the pages.
I loved it!
Title: Summer of Shipwrecks
Author: Shivaun Plozza
Publisher: UQP, $16.99
Publication Date: 3 September 2024
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780702268373
For ages: 10+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction
