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Seagate Summers #1
Welcome to Dog Beach
Twelve-year-old Remy loves the traditions of Sea Gate, the island where her family spends every summer vacation, but after her grandmother and a special dog die, and her relationship with best friends Bennett and Micayla changes, Remy takes comfort in the company of the Dog Beach--where she hatches a plan to bring her friends closer and recapture the Sea Gate magic.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
26 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Greenwald
37 books482 followersA long bio can be kind of boring, so instead I'm going to pretend
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 27, 2014
This is the first book in a new series by Lisa Greenwald. The series is called "Seagate Summers."
Remy, 11, and her parents spend the summers on Seagate Island. Remy does not deal well with change. She loves traditions and wants everything to stay the same as it always was. So, this summer is more than a little difficult for her. First, her grandmother died so Remy misses having her at Seagate Island this summer. Her dog Danish also died and Remy misses spending time with him at Dog Beach. Then, her two best friends on the island Micayla and Bennett are acting . . . strangely. The three of them always spent their entire days together--just the three of them. Now Micayla seems to be making different friends. And Bennett. Well, Bennett is starting to like to spend time doing "male" stuff with his father and other guys and their fathers. Plus, Remy doesn't quite understand why she's acting strangely around Bennett this summer; that's never happened before and she doesn't like it.
Sort of by accident, she starts a doggie daycare and asks Micayla and Bennett to help her. They agree, but the business blossoms quickly and they have to enlist the help of the twins who are visiting their grandfather for the summer. Remy isn't real wild about these twins--she thinks they are negative because they constantly put down her beloved Seagate Island.
The characters in this book are realistic and I think anyone who has ever been 11-going-on-12 will be able to relate to Remy, her emotions, and her friendships. I think this is a great start to a new series.
Remy, 11, and her parents spend the summers on Seagate Island. Remy does not deal well with change. She loves traditions and wants everything to stay the same as it always was. So, this summer is more than a little difficult for her. First, her grandmother died so Remy misses having her at Seagate Island this summer. Her dog Danish also died and Remy misses spending time with him at Dog Beach. Then, her two best friends on the island Micayla and Bennett are acting . . . strangely. The three of them always spent their entire days together--just the three of them. Now Micayla seems to be making different friends. And Bennett. Well, Bennett is starting to like to spend time doing "male" stuff with his father and other guys and their fathers. Plus, Remy doesn't quite understand why she's acting strangely around Bennett this summer; that's never happened before and she doesn't like it.
Sort of by accident, she starts a doggie daycare and asks Micayla and Bennett to help her. They agree, but the business blossoms quickly and they have to enlist the help of the twins who are visiting their grandfather for the summer. Remy isn't real wild about these twins--she thinks they are negative because they constantly put down her beloved Seagate Island.
The characters in this book are realistic and I think anyone who has ever been 11-going-on-12 will be able to relate to Remy, her emotions, and her friendships. I think this is a great start to a new series.
February 8, 2014
For books that I read professionally as a children's/teen book reviewer, it is near impossible to give a fair star rating on a site like Goodreads, where I want to focus on my personal response to books over my professional. (Unless the book is truly terrible, of course, which is when my personal and professional opinions usually intersect.)
Personally, I find this book well-written and heartwarming, but just not my thing. It's contemporary, it has way to much in it about dogs, it has minimal conflict or drama, and it's so very very slow to get going. It's too far outside my reading interests for me to have truly enjoyed reading it.
But professionally, as a reviewer and librarian thinking about the appeal for its target audience (which, let's face it, is not 30-something adults who love adult and YA speculative fiction), this is a sweet, sensitive, and safe book for middle grade kids and tweens. I wouldn't hesitate to give it to any young dog-obsessed child or 4th or 5th grade girl on the cusp of dealing with friendship misunderstandings, burgeoning popularity awareness, awkward but innocent crushes, and the wobbly feeling you get when everything you wish would stay the same is changing. The story feels a bit old-fashioned, but I'm willing to concede that I might think so because of my lack of experience with contemporary middle-grade novels (though the fact that the eleven-year-old narrator is on the naive side contributes, too). Maybe it feels old-fashioned to me because it is so gosh-darned gentle. All of Remy's worries are soothed by the end. What makes the gentleness work, though, is that Remy creates her happy ending by learning about her flaws (she is quite judge-y in the beginning), listening to her friends, and taking active steps to fix misunderstandings before they become unfixable.
This book is the start of a series that I imagine will focus on Remy's summers on Seagate island and whatever normal, everyday things happen to her and her friends. My personal side is yawning and wishing for robots or explosions or zombies, but the librarian side of me that hands books to kids is happy.
Personally, I find this book well-written and heartwarming, but just not my thing. It's contemporary, it has way to much in it about dogs, it has minimal conflict or drama, and it's so very very slow to get going. It's too far outside my reading interests for me to have truly enjoyed reading it.
But professionally, as a reviewer and librarian thinking about the appeal for its target audience (which, let's face it, is not 30-something adults who love adult and YA speculative fiction), this is a sweet, sensitive, and safe book for middle grade kids and tweens. I wouldn't hesitate to give it to any young dog-obsessed child or 4th or 5th grade girl on the cusp of dealing with friendship misunderstandings, burgeoning popularity awareness, awkward but innocent crushes, and the wobbly feeling you get when everything you wish would stay the same is changing. The story feels a bit old-fashioned, but I'm willing to concede that I might think so because of my lack of experience with contemporary middle-grade novels (though the fact that the eleven-year-old narrator is on the naive side contributes, too). Maybe it feels old-fashioned to me because it is so gosh-darned gentle. All of Remy's worries are soothed by the end. What makes the gentleness work, though, is that Remy creates her happy ending by learning about her flaws (she is quite judge-y in the beginning), listening to her friends, and taking active steps to fix misunderstandings before they become unfixable.
This book is the start of a series that I imagine will focus on Remy's summers on Seagate island and whatever normal, everyday things happen to her and her friends. My personal side is yawning and wishing for robots or explosions or zombies, but the librarian side of me that hands books to kids is happy.
May 22, 2015
Welcome to Dog beach is about a girl who has recently lost her dog in a world she calls paradise and now her life is about to fall apart. I rated this book 4 stars because the author could have used more detail on the story. However, I liked the fact that she used appropriate details in the text, that simple detail brought the text together. My overall favorite character would have to be Remy, the main character, because she perseveres through the death of her late grandmother's dog. In conclusion, This book kept me at the edge of my seat waiting for what would happen next. I hope my classmates enjoy this book as much as I did.
January 21, 2015
I like the main character because she likes dogs like I do. I like the little Yorkie too! The story made me feel happy!
September 8, 2016
I won an advanced reader edition of this book and the reason I entered the contest is that I am hoping to introduce my niece to her first chapter books. According to the description, it is a book about a twelve year old girl who is trying to come to terms with the loss of her grandmother and her dog and the changing dynamics of friendships. I thought this would be a fantastic book for my niece to start reading because she recently lost a pet and she's young enough that she's still friends with boys without the stigma of being "in love", though I am sure that will change soon.
It was good, but I'm not sure it's something I should be encouraging my "pre-teen" niece to read. I feel like she is already exposed to a lot of pressure from her peers and the mindset of superficial "pre-teen" drama, I dont need to add fuel to the fire with a book about those exact things. Maybe I will hang onto it and re-read it in a couple years to see if I think its something she could relate to.
I did like the fact that Remy, the young voice of the book tries to be a good person and a good friend, but for the first half of the book I kept thinking "This girl is spoiled and self centered!" Finally, Remy's friend tells her she is self centered with explodes into their first "fight." While I appreciate that the book discusses real life drama among young people today, I think they are exposed to enough of that already. I was kind of hoping for this book to be overly sappy and sweet, about a little girl who misses her dog but grows up accept the loss and perhaps find a new friend to share her time. It ends up being a lot more "poor me...me...me" Bottom line, I came to not like Remy and I am an adult so I feel silly saying that! HA! She does redeem herself in the end and I think she portrays a good message.
I also got jaded with the redundancy of the "the scream." I like the concept of what Lisa Greenwald was trying to portray there... to help an old man connect with the younger generation, but I thought the idea of "a scream" was lame and didn't make much sense. I think the "talent" could have been more substantial and meaningful than just a noise. I kind of got sick of reading about it. I can imagine my niece saying, "Aunt Amy, why do they keep talking about this scream!?" I'm also in disbelief that young people today would be interested at all in horror films of that time era, therefore they wouldn't recognize "the scream" and would think it was lame in comparison to the graphics in movies today.
I think I am partially disappointed because my own "pre-teen" isn't to the stage in her life where she cares about brand name clothing or has the desire to wear make-up yet. (THANK GOODNESS!) Maybe my niece is the exception to the rule, and if that is the case I am totally okay with that! So I think I will hold onto this book and give it to her in a couple years when she can relate more to the characters and what's happening in their dramatic little world. For now, It's too soon.
It was good, but I'm not sure it's something I should be encouraging my "pre-teen" niece to read. I feel like she is already exposed to a lot of pressure from her peers and the mindset of superficial "pre-teen" drama, I dont need to add fuel to the fire with a book about those exact things. Maybe I will hang onto it and re-read it in a couple years to see if I think its something she could relate to.
I did like the fact that Remy, the young voice of the book tries to be a good person and a good friend, but for the first half of the book I kept thinking "This girl is spoiled and self centered!" Finally, Remy's friend tells her she is self centered with explodes into their first "fight." While I appreciate that the book discusses real life drama among young people today, I think they are exposed to enough of that already. I was kind of hoping for this book to be overly sappy and sweet, about a little girl who misses her dog but grows up accept the loss and perhaps find a new friend to share her time. It ends up being a lot more "poor me...me...me" Bottom line, I came to not like Remy and I am an adult so I feel silly saying that! HA! She does redeem herself in the end and I think she portrays a good message.
I also got jaded with the redundancy of the "the scream." I like the concept of what Lisa Greenwald was trying to portray there... to help an old man connect with the younger generation, but I thought the idea of "a scream" was lame and didn't make much sense. I think the "talent" could have been more substantial and meaningful than just a noise. I kind of got sick of reading about it. I can imagine my niece saying, "Aunt Amy, why do they keep talking about this scream!?" I'm also in disbelief that young people today would be interested at all in horror films of that time era, therefore they wouldn't recognize "the scream" and would think it was lame in comparison to the graphics in movies today.
I think I am partially disappointed because my own "pre-teen" isn't to the stage in her life where she cares about brand name clothing or has the desire to wear make-up yet. (THANK GOODNESS!) Maybe my niece is the exception to the rule, and if that is the case I am totally okay with that! So I think I will hold onto this book and give it to her in a couple years when she can relate more to the characters and what's happening in their dramatic little world. For now, It's too soon.
November 12, 2022
E ARC from Netgalley.com
Remy loves spending her summers at Seagate, but now that her grandmother has passed away, the house just isn't the same. Even her grandmother's dog, Danish, is no longer living, so all of her old haunts seem sad and empty. Things are even odd with her best friends Micayla and Bennett. Bennett is being all disgusting and boylike, wanting to spend time with Calvin instead of the girls, but even so, Remy is starting to look at him with twitterpated feelings. Micayla is going to be living on the island year round, and Remy resents that she is making other friends. Remy isn't too thrilled to be hanging out with Calvin's sister Claire, who is clothes obsessed, whereas 11 year old Remy just wants to enjoy summer. Remy starts to have quite a dog walking business, and this makes the summer more bearable. Not only does she get to know the owners and get back to ordinary life at Seagate, but the dogs help her through her other problems. Just realized that this is supposed to be the first book in a series. Awesome!
Strengths: I particularly like that Greenwald always gives her characters a unique interest, and Remy's somewhat reluctant dog business is fun. The interaction between the characters is very true-to-life for middle school, from the different levels of maturity to the small conflicts that seem very large at the time.
Weaknesses:There are quite a number of books where people spend the entire summer somewhere, and it just doesn't seem realistic to me. Also, I really disliked how Micayla's name was spelled. Michaela, Mikayla, okay. Micayla, not so much. Small quibble for a fun book.
Remy loves spending her summers at Seagate, but now that her grandmother has passed away, the house just isn't the same. Even her grandmother's dog, Danish, is no longer living, so all of her old haunts seem sad and empty. Things are even odd with her best friends Micayla and Bennett. Bennett is being all disgusting and boylike, wanting to spend time with Calvin instead of the girls, but even so, Remy is starting to look at him with twitterpated feelings. Micayla is going to be living on the island year round, and Remy resents that she is making other friends. Remy isn't too thrilled to be hanging out with Calvin's sister Claire, who is clothes obsessed, whereas 11 year old Remy just wants to enjoy summer. Remy starts to have quite a dog walking business, and this makes the summer more bearable. Not only does she get to know the owners and get back to ordinary life at Seagate, but the dogs help her through her other problems. Just realized that this is supposed to be the first book in a series. Awesome!
Strengths: I particularly like that Greenwald always gives her characters a unique interest, and Remy's somewhat reluctant dog business is fun. The interaction between the characters is very true-to-life for middle school, from the different levels of maturity to the small conflicts that seem very large at the time.
Weaknesses:There are quite a number of books where people spend the entire summer somewhere, and it just doesn't seem realistic to me. Also, I really disliked how Micayla's name was spelled. Michaela, Mikayla, okay. Micayla, not so much. Small quibble for a fun book.
June 5, 2019
Adult rating: 2 stars
Kid rating: 3 stars
Remy has spent the summers on Seagate Island, NY every year since birth. She looks forward to spending time with her friends Micayla and Bennett, hanging out at Dog Beach, getting ice cream at Sundae Best, eating breakfast at the local restaurants and celebrating Halloween over Labor Day weekend. But some things are new this year. Both her grandmother and her beloved dog, Danish, have passed away. Twins Claire and Calvin are intruding on her tight-knit friend circle. She's attracted a dog following that's turned into a dog sitting business. She's developed a crush on Bennett. Micayla is suddenly annoyed with her. Life around her is changing when she just wants it to stay the same.
This isn't my favorite beach vacation book. It seems like a lot happens, but actually the plot is slow. Remy laments the passing of her dog then she goes to dog beach. Repeat and repeat again. Remy is 11, but this probably will only appeal to 4th/5th graders. The dog sitting business, the idea of returning to a beach home year after year, and the idea of roaming around the island without adults are appealing topics.
Kid rating: 3 stars
Remy has spent the summers on Seagate Island, NY every year since birth. She looks forward to spending time with her friends Micayla and Bennett, hanging out at Dog Beach, getting ice cream at Sundae Best, eating breakfast at the local restaurants and celebrating Halloween over Labor Day weekend. But some things are new this year. Both her grandmother and her beloved dog, Danish, have passed away. Twins Claire and Calvin are intruding on her tight-knit friend circle. She's attracted a dog following that's turned into a dog sitting business. She's developed a crush on Bennett. Micayla is suddenly annoyed with her. Life around her is changing when she just wants it to stay the same.
This isn't my favorite beach vacation book. It seems like a lot happens, but actually the plot is slow. Remy laments the passing of her dog then she goes to dog beach. Repeat and repeat again. Remy is 11, but this probably will only appeal to 4th/5th graders. The dog sitting business, the idea of returning to a beach home year after year, and the idea of roaming around the island without adults are appealing topics.
February 15, 2019
I do not even know where to start. The book Welcome to Dog Beach by Lisa Greenwald is by far one of the most relatable books I have ever read. The book is about an 11-year-old girl, Remy who has spent her summers on Seagate Island since a little girl. Remy experiences change from the usual summers she has spent on Seagate before. At first, the changes are hard for Remy, losing her dog, losing her best friends. But she then realizes that all of this hard change has only made things better. This book is a great book for any level reader. The book is full of excitement and happy vibes! The detail described in the book allows you to paint a picture in your head that makes it feel as if you are there with Remy.
Over the summer, Remy also started her own doggie daycare on the beach with some of her friends. She meets new Seagate members and experiences what she claims to be the best summer of her life. Overall I would recommend this book to any reader. It is so hard to lose focus, from the first page to the last it inspires happiness and creativity. This book is incredible and I encourage you to read it.
Over the summer, Remy also started her own doggie daycare on the beach with some of her friends. She meets new Seagate members and experiences what she claims to be the best summer of her life. Overall I would recommend this book to any reader. It is so hard to lose focus, from the first page to the last it inspires happiness and creativity. This book is incredible and I encourage you to read it.
May 7, 2020
Remy has spent every summer of her life on Seagate Island, but everything is different the summer between 5th and 6th grade, the first season since the death of her beloved dog Danish. She is suddenly awkward with best friends Micayla and Bennett, and it seems like everyone and everything is changing except Remy. I appreciated the realistic characters in this story. Remy and her friends acted like real middle schoolers in the midst of changes they can't control: sometimes whiny, making mistakes but also trying to find their way with honesty and concern for others. There were a few million too many details in this book, as I didn't really need to know the back story of every single shop and restaurant on the island, but overall the story of Remy's growing up was worthwhile. And her dog sitting business was neat.
August 12, 2017
I'll probably recommend this to my kids (I picked a random kindle book from our library that had "beach" in the title to try to find more summer reading list words!). I had no idea it was a book intended for kids until I started reading it. I think that both of my kids (7 and 9) would enjoy it. It's cute.
May 29, 2018
Endearing and heartwarming story about a girl grappling with loss and new surprising realizations. Lessons learned on not judging others beforehand and appreciating the present moment. I read this to my daughters who are a little younger than the main character. Made me remember that even in our cell phone culture how certain things stay the same throughout generations with this age group.
July 14, 2018
A very nice story about growing up, changes, and friendship. The setting is lovely, a beach island on the east coast. A group of kids learn to appreciate each other, and accept new kids into their group.
April 27, 2020
This is a sweet and fun book! If you love dog stories, like I do, give Welcome to Dog Beach a try.
March 8, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. I was also excited to read the next chapter because I always wanted to know what happened next.
February 9, 2023
Loved the book and loved the end it almost made me cry
September 18, 2023
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SERIES I HAVE EVER READ!!!!!!!!!
Lisa Greenwald please please please please write more books in this series!
Lisa Greenwald please please please please write more books in this series!
November 15, 2023
This is the first book my brother and I read in our book club many years ago. 😄 I enjoyed reading it, but it’s pretty fluffy.
January 27, 2024
I really liked how the story went, and the best part was the amount of creative twists put into it. I love the message it gives, and the unique characters and plot!
February 1, 2024
I love this book. It really made me smile and it was so cute!! i would recommend reading!!
May 24, 2024
Two of my favorite things.
August 18, 2024
Remy is eleven years old.
May 27, 2025
Well written story to an 11 year old and her friends trying to navigate the pre teen yrs. Cute and entertaining and loved all the dogs in the story-each so full of personality.
August 10, 2025
Good beach read for tweens and teens
February 17, 2022
a recommended book for those who wants to do 'healing'
January 27, 2015
{originally posted on my blog: Ciao Bella}
After reading all of Lisa Greenwald’s books, I think it is safe for me to say that she is the queen {or, at the very least, one of many :)} of middle grade realistic fiction. She has nailed the perfect combination of developed main characters, true-to-life friendships, adorable budding romances, and entertaining problems and solutions! Really, it’s more of a case of when to read her novels rather than if. Welcome to Dog Beach, her most recent release, follows up in the success of her past books, and I am excited to see what the rest of this series will bring.
Remy has always enjoyed staying on Seagate with her family and friends each summer. From the annual trivia contest to the Seagate Halloween celebration near Labor Day, there’s no shortage of traditions that make her favorite place so special. However, growing up brings along change, like new neighbors, new feelings, and new ideas, all of which Remy is not so sure she wants to deal with. I’ve found that realistic fiction best captures the difficulties of growing up; here, Greenwald tackles a topic that everyone has had to dealt with at some point: change. It’s clear to the reader from the very first chapter that Remy is someone who thrives on consistency and who will doubt herself when something different comes along. While older readers may be shaking their head at times due to the pre-teen drama, I have no doubt that younger audiences will relate to Remy’s anxious feelings about friendship fights and first crushes. Her instant connection with readers coupled with the author’s terrific development makes Remy a character who’s hard to forget.
What I usually love most about small beach town stories is that you often feel as if you’re a member of the community! Greenwald introduces a large cast of supporting characters, and while not all have major roles in the story, each manage to leave their mark in Seagate. You’ll smile when you read of a new relationship and grimace at the grumpy café owner. You’ll sympathize with the new mom and disapprove of the moody tweens. It’s not a long book, so their time may have been short in this one, but I hope to see the more memorable citizens of Seagate again in Book Two. I will say that some of the older secondary characters lack the depth I wished to see; it sometime seemed as if they were only there to teach Remy an important life lesson.
The plot is oh-so sweet, involving classic MG material, such as the ups and downs of new {and old!} friendships, but it also takes on deeper themes, like grieving over the death of a beloved relative and pet. While I enjoyed the story, I think it could have been made even stronger if more attention was put on Remy’s grieving instead of all of the tension that came with her “drama queen” attitude. Nevertheless, the pacing was spot-on, the dialogue was perfect for the character’s age, and thankfully, you realize quite a growth in Remy’s character by the very end.
Overall, Lisa Greenwald lived up to my high expectations! I have a soft spot for beach towns, but one look at the development of the protagonist, the supporting characters, and the plot should tell you that it’s a worthwhile read for anyone. The second book couldn’t come out soon enough.
After reading all of Lisa Greenwald’s books, I think it is safe for me to say that she is the queen {or, at the very least, one of many :)} of middle grade realistic fiction. She has nailed the perfect combination of developed main characters, true-to-life friendships, adorable budding romances, and entertaining problems and solutions! Really, it’s more of a case of when to read her novels rather than if. Welcome to Dog Beach, her most recent release, follows up in the success of her past books, and I am excited to see what the rest of this series will bring.
Remy has always enjoyed staying on Seagate with her family and friends each summer. From the annual trivia contest to the Seagate Halloween celebration near Labor Day, there’s no shortage of traditions that make her favorite place so special. However, growing up brings along change, like new neighbors, new feelings, and new ideas, all of which Remy is not so sure she wants to deal with. I’ve found that realistic fiction best captures the difficulties of growing up; here, Greenwald tackles a topic that everyone has had to dealt with at some point: change. It’s clear to the reader from the very first chapter that Remy is someone who thrives on consistency and who will doubt herself when something different comes along. While older readers may be shaking their head at times due to the pre-teen drama, I have no doubt that younger audiences will relate to Remy’s anxious feelings about friendship fights and first crushes. Her instant connection with readers coupled with the author’s terrific development makes Remy a character who’s hard to forget.
What I usually love most about small beach town stories is that you often feel as if you’re a member of the community! Greenwald introduces a large cast of supporting characters, and while not all have major roles in the story, each manage to leave their mark in Seagate. You’ll smile when you read of a new relationship and grimace at the grumpy café owner. You’ll sympathize with the new mom and disapprove of the moody tweens. It’s not a long book, so their time may have been short in this one, but I hope to see the more memorable citizens of Seagate again in Book Two. I will say that some of the older secondary characters lack the depth I wished to see; it sometime seemed as if they were only there to teach Remy an important life lesson.
The plot is oh-so sweet, involving classic MG material, such as the ups and downs of new {and old!} friendships, but it also takes on deeper themes, like grieving over the death of a beloved relative and pet. While I enjoyed the story, I think it could have been made even stronger if more attention was put on Remy’s grieving instead of all of the tension that came with her “drama queen” attitude. Nevertheless, the pacing was spot-on, the dialogue was perfect for the character’s age, and thankfully, you realize quite a growth in Remy’s character by the very end.
Overall, Lisa Greenwald lived up to my high expectations! I have a soft spot for beach towns, but one look at the development of the protagonist, the supporting characters, and the plot should tell you that it’s a worthwhile read for anyone. The second book couldn’t come out soon enough.
December 19, 2016
Remy has always loved the summer she spends on Seagate Island with her best friends Micayla and Bennett. The three friends have many traditions, and Remy is comforted by the predictability of each summer and of the way things never seem to change on Seagate. This year, though, Remy’s grandmother has died, as has Remy’s dog, Danish, and Micayla and Bennett seem different - older, and interested in new things. Remy really hates change and would love for everything to stay the same, but no matter how she tries to cling to tradition, no one else seems as determined to hold onto the past. It’s a good thing Remy has started a dog-sitting business, which she runs at Seagate’s Dog Beach, because lately it seems like dogs are the only ones who understand her.
Lisa Greenwald’s latest book has much in common with her previous titles, My Life in Pink and Green, My Summer of Pink and Green, and Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes. All of these books involve girls with an entrepreneurial spirit who are part of three musketeer-type friendships and whose friendships undergo major changes during the middle school years. Greenwald’s wriitng improves from book to book, and Welcome to Dog Beach is her best novel to date. The story has a strong sense of place, and the many businesses and colorful characters on Seagate Island come perfectly to life so the reader loves the island as much as Remy does. Dog lovers will appreciate the many scenes devoted to dog-sitting and watching dogs play together, but even readers with no particular fondness for animals will be able to connect with the themes of friendship, change, and first crushes. (It’s also not a depressing dead dog story, which is a major plus.) Remy’s feelings about everything that happens to her are so real that the reader experiences them vicariously and reacts to them viscerally. This book is a true middle grade story through and through, and happily, it’s only the first in The Seagate Summers series.
Welcome to Dog Beach will find an audience among readers who have enjoyed Fetching by Kiera Stewart, the Annabelle Unleashed series by Leslie Margolis, and Because of Winn-Dixie.
Lisa Greenwald’s latest book has much in common with her previous titles, My Life in Pink and Green, My Summer of Pink and Green, and Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes. All of these books involve girls with an entrepreneurial spirit who are part of three musketeer-type friendships and whose friendships undergo major changes during the middle school years. Greenwald’s wriitng improves from book to book, and Welcome to Dog Beach is her best novel to date. The story has a strong sense of place, and the many businesses and colorful characters on Seagate Island come perfectly to life so the reader loves the island as much as Remy does. Dog lovers will appreciate the many scenes devoted to dog-sitting and watching dogs play together, but even readers with no particular fondness for animals will be able to connect with the themes of friendship, change, and first crushes. (It’s also not a depressing dead dog story, which is a major plus.) Remy’s feelings about everything that happens to her are so real that the reader experiences them vicariously and reacts to them viscerally. This book is a true middle grade story through and through, and happily, it’s only the first in The Seagate Summers series.
Welcome to Dog Beach will find an audience among readers who have enjoyed Fetching by Kiera Stewart, the Annabelle Unleashed series by Leslie Margolis, and Because of Winn-Dixie.
November 16, 2015
The book Welcome to Dog Beach by Lisa Greenwald is by far one of the best books that I have ever read in my entire life! This book is about an Twelve year old girl named Remy who spends her summers in a place called Seagate Island. Every summer she and her family go there and visit her grandmother and her adorable dog Danish. Danish had technically been Remy's dog, but Danish lived with her grandmother. This past year Remy's grandma died and so did Danish, so Remy has been devastated ever since. She was really excited to come to Seagate and spend her summer like she did every year, but it did not turn out the way she thought it would.
This book is filled with happy and sad moments. One of my favorites parts in this story was when Bennett and Micayla, her friends and Remy start a dog sitters club. They take care of a lot of the dogs on Seagate Island when their owners are not home. There were not any parts of this story that I did not like.
This book is full of cliff hangers. When I set this book down I was always left on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. If you are the type of person that likes fiction books then this a great pick for you. This is also a great book for teenagers because it talks about friendships and how to keep them strong. There is also a sequel to this book called Dog Beach Unleashed that I have not read yet, but hope to soon. This book is an awesome book. So the next time you are looking for a great fiction book to pick up, choose Welcome to Dog Beach by Lisa Greenwald.
This book is filled with happy and sad moments. One of my favorites parts in this story was when Bennett and Micayla, her friends and Remy start a dog sitters club. They take care of a lot of the dogs on Seagate Island when their owners are not home. There were not any parts of this story that I did not like.
This book is full of cliff hangers. When I set this book down I was always left on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. If you are the type of person that likes fiction books then this a great pick for you. This is also a great book for teenagers because it talks about friendships and how to keep them strong. There is also a sequel to this book called Dog Beach Unleashed that I have not read yet, but hope to soon. This book is an awesome book. So the next time you are looking for a great fiction book to pick up, choose Welcome to Dog Beach by Lisa Greenwald.
January 14, 2015
For eleven-year-old Remy there is no greater place on earth than Seagate Island. She’s spent all of the summers of her life there. She’s glad to be back this summer even though she’s missing her dog, Danish, who recently passed away.
Every summer she and her friends Macayla and Bennet enjoy their traditions, eat at the same places and relish Seagate Island yearly activities. Remy appreciates the sameness of the little island, but this year she may have to accept that things change no matter how much she tries to keep them the same. Even her best friends seem to be changing. A set of twins, Calvin and Claire are visiting their grandfather and are new to the island. They make no secret that Seagate bores them.
Not all changes are bad. Remy stumbles into a dog sitting business and Macayla and Bennet jump right in to help. Before the summer is over Remy and Macayla have their first disagreement ever. Remy finds her feelings for Bennett are changing. Bennett on the other hand seems to relish the company of Calvin who is his own age and lives right next door.
Remy tells her story in first person with humor and emotion. Welcome to Dog Beach is a promising start to Greenwald’s new series. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Every summer she and her friends Macayla and Bennet enjoy their traditions, eat at the same places and relish Seagate Island yearly activities. Remy appreciates the sameness of the little island, but this year she may have to accept that things change no matter how much she tries to keep them the same. Even her best friends seem to be changing. A set of twins, Calvin and Claire are visiting their grandfather and are new to the island. They make no secret that Seagate bores them.
Not all changes are bad. Remy stumbles into a dog sitting business and Macayla and Bennet jump right in to help. Before the summer is over Remy and Macayla have their first disagreement ever. Remy finds her feelings for Bennett are changing. Bennett on the other hand seems to relish the company of Calvin who is his own age and lives right next door.
Remy tells her story in first person with humor and emotion. Welcome to Dog Beach is a promising start to Greenwald’s new series. I’m looking forward to the next book.
August 1, 2018
Eleven-year-old Remy finds company in the dogs who come to Dog Beach on Seagate Island. Things seem to have changed on this island where she has spent every summer, and Remy is not at all comfortable with change...
(Opening line)-“On Seagate Island there are three kinds of people; the lucky ones, the luckier ones, and the luckiest ones.”
This is a wonderful read about a young girl who loves her summers on Seagate Island and looks forward to things staying the same every year. This visit is different, however; her dog Danish has died, and Remy’s two best friends seemed to have developed new interests. When Remy begins to develop relationships with the dogs and owners that hang out at “Dog Beach”, she begins to discover that all changes are not necessarily for the worse.
Memorable Quotes:
Pg.8- “All winter and spring I kept hoping that being back on Seagate would be comfortable, the way it was after Grandma died. So far, it’s not.”
Pg. 73-“The nicest thing about being best friends is that you can walk in complete silence and not feel weird about it.”
Pg.255-“Right now, the moment you’re living, is really the most important.”
(Opening line)-“On Seagate Island there are three kinds of people; the lucky ones, the luckier ones, and the luckiest ones.”
This is a wonderful read about a young girl who loves her summers on Seagate Island and looks forward to things staying the same every year. This visit is different, however; her dog Danish has died, and Remy’s two best friends seemed to have developed new interests. When Remy begins to develop relationships with the dogs and owners that hang out at “Dog Beach”, she begins to discover that all changes are not necessarily for the worse.
Memorable Quotes:
Pg.8- “All winter and spring I kept hoping that being back on Seagate would be comfortable, the way it was after Grandma died. So far, it’s not.”
Pg. 73-“The nicest thing about being best friends is that you can walk in complete silence and not feel weird about it.”
Pg.255-“Right now, the moment you’re living, is really the most important.”
August 27, 2016
Haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 4/11/14
Received my copy and hope to start soon. Have 8 others plus my current read in front. 4/18/14
Started 5/5/14
Finished 5/6/14
Remy loves summer because it means she gets to live at Sea Gate. She loves that her best friends Bennett and Micayla are there. After her grandmother and the family dog both past away, she is looking forward to a summer where nothing has changed. But it has, she notices differences in both Bennett and Micayla and there are new twins their age in town. Remy turns to dogs for comfort and hatches a plan to bring the friends back together.
The blurb says Remy is 12 and the book said 11 but either is an appropriate age for the storyline. Cute fun read, and any child from about 8 up through young teens would enjoy. My niece is 6 and she would love the dog parts, but not so much the first crush/love parts. Luckily, the author stayed age appropriate with those. The characters are fun and I think the dogs are the best characters in the book. Great read for the audience it is aiming for.
Received my copy and hope to start soon. Have 8 others plus my current read in front. 4/18/14
Started 5/5/14
Finished 5/6/14
Remy loves summer because it means she gets to live at Sea Gate. She loves that her best friends Bennett and Micayla are there. After her grandmother and the family dog both past away, she is looking forward to a summer where nothing has changed. But it has, she notices differences in both Bennett and Micayla and there are new twins their age in town. Remy turns to dogs for comfort and hatches a plan to bring the friends back together.
The blurb says Remy is 12 and the book said 11 but either is an appropriate age for the storyline. Cute fun read, and any child from about 8 up through young teens would enjoy. My niece is 6 and she would love the dog parts, but not so much the first crush/love parts. Luckily, the author stayed age appropriate with those. The characters are fun and I think the dogs are the best characters in the book. Great read for the audience it is aiming for.
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