The Great Good Summer by Liz Garton Scanlon (review)

It’s a rare book that can discuss faith without verging into the preachy and contemplating the nature of God while acknowledging some people’s lack of belief—all in the voice of an earnest, honest twelve-year old girl. Scanlon manages it in this story of Ivy Green, whose world has turned upside down following her mother’s sudden departure with a holy rolling preacher, elegantly and non-judgmentally addresses belief and non-belief while keeping its focus squarely on the power and mystery of human relationships. When narrator Ivy and her classmate, the science-minded Paul, concoct a plan to leave their small Texas town and track down Ivy’s mother in the Florida panhandle, Ivy struggles to confront the complicated emotions that arise within the intricate bonds of family and friendship. She also learns about herself and her own strength of character, and the sympathetic and engaging portrayal of Ivy avoids advancing a moral and instead celebrates her personal revelations. Heartfelt in content and authentic in tone, this will resonate with kids questioning their parents, God, or both.