What's that pink thing out on the lake? Grace realizes with horror that the distant pink smudge on the water is her youngest sister, Beth, drifting farther and farther offshore atop an inflatable raft. There's no time to lose, and Grace never dawdles anyway. Struggling through the cold waves, Grace gradually closes in on her terrified sister. At that moment, boys are the last thing on Grace's mind. But a boy turns up to assist in the rescue. And he's really handsome. Together Frankie and Grace tow Beth back to safety, and Grace begins to hope that maybe - despite having to take care of three younger siblings, despite an oblivious mother smoking her brains out, despite the ancient great-aunt and her mysterious daughter - maybe this summer vacation won't be so bad after all.
 
In the companion to The Summer Sherman Loved Me, a determined heroine discovers that she can indeed rise above it all.

• January 2012 Indie Next List
• December 2011 Indie Next List
• November 2011 Indie Next List