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The Summer I Saved the World . . . in 65 Days
It's the summer before freshman year in high school and Nina decides to follow what someone said at her middle-school graduation: "Be unnoticed, but be remarkable." Her best friend Jorie is focusing on boys, clothes, and popularity, her lawyer parents are diving into a new case, and this is the first summer without her beloved Grandma, so she's is feeling a little lost. She hatches a plan: every day, all summer, she'll do one anonymous kind thing for someone at home or in her neighborhood. Her goal? To bring her family and her beloved community together again.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
59 people are currently reading
1519 people want to read
About the author
Michele Weber Hurwitz
5 books52 followersAward-winning author of five middle grade novels. HELLO FROM RENN LAKE (Random House/Wendy Lamb Books) is the 2021 Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award winner for children's fiction. Other books include THE SUMMER I SAVED THE WORLD...IN 65 DAYS, CALLI BE GOLD (both Random House) and ETHAN MARCUS STANDS UP and ETHAN MARCUS MAKES HIS MARK (both Simon & Schuster/Aladdin). Michele's books have been nominated for many state reading awards and received starred reviews. More at micheleweberhurwitz.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
April 17, 2020
13-year-old Nina Ross has decided she wants to make the world a better place, by starting with her neighbourhood. there are 65 days left of summer vacation and she is planning on doing 65 good deeds for those days. I love this book I have read it so many times. I would recommend it to any girls who like romance.
June 9, 2014
This was an adorable, quick read to kick off anyone's summer list. The back cover says, "One summer. One Girl. One Plan" How fitting! Nina Ross is feeling at loose ends as summer begins, the first without her Grandma, who lived with the family on their cul-de-sac before she died. When she clandestinely plants her neighbor Mrs. Chung's marigolds, Nina's summer plan is hatched, almost without her knowing it. Sixty five days of summer mean 65 good deeds for the wonderful characters that inhabit Nina's cul-de-sac. From nosey Mrs. Millman to cute little Thomas and his superhero cape, Hurwitz has created a very realistic set-up, with the characters hitting all the right notes.
June 12, 2017
This was a light-hearted, fun book about a girl who decides to honor her grandmother by doing one kind thing a day for the people in her neighborhood. It was a sweet, quick read. Perfect for a summer day.
May 26, 2017
A sweet, realistic book about transitions, friendships and goodness.
Popsugar challenge 2017: a book that's been on your TBR list for way too long
Popsugar challenge 2017: a book that's been on your TBR list for way too long
June 3, 2020
summer theme... June 2020 Children's Books group...
Delightful. A girl does 65 acts of kindness in her neighborhood and helps to heal families and friendships and the whole cul-de-sac. Not too simplistic to be unbelievable, even though it's just a titch implausible. I would read more about Nina and consider more by this author.
Delightful. A girl does 65 acts of kindness in her neighborhood and helps to heal families and friendships and the whole cul-de-sac. Not too simplistic to be unbelievable, even though it's just a titch implausible. I would read more about Nina and consider more by this author.
April 10, 2014
A truly lovely contemporary MG. Features a great sense of community. It's also great, in this era of the "princessification" of young girls, to see a female character more interested in what she does than how she looks. Absolutely recommend.
March 25, 2017
Do you know that book you read and sure that your life will not be the same after reading it? That kind of book that fills you with hope? A book that even before you finish will indicate for everyone?
Perfect, is not it? More than perfect !
Nina has lived in the same neighborhood since she was little and grew up with Eli and Jorie, her inseparable friends .... or so she thought ... until the beginning of that summer. Eli has problems with the loose father who always leaves the family. Jorie is more interested in being popular than paying attention to Nina. And she tries to keep the friendship but no longer recognizes her friends.
Nina is a thirteen year old girl who is living well that transition phase between childhood and adulthood where the person wants to grow but does not understand how and why everything around her is different, always being homesick for the past. Her childhood friends are different, her school friends traveled and did not invite her and her family does not pay attention to her anymore.
She finished elementary school and is facing the challenge of high school, so she and Jorie enrolled in summer classes to get introduce to the new school.
In a moment of boredom as she watches the life of Mrs. Chung, her neighbor who broke a foot and is trying to take care of her flowers, Nina decides she will do something different this summer.
And this is how this sweet, weird and different girl will see her whole life be transformed,.
She gradually makes small kindness and discovering how pleasant it is to do Good without looking at Who.
Of course this will come at a price and it will spark a revolution on the street and in the lives of everyone around her.
It is worth noting the constant and witty presence of Eli's brother, Thomas, a pure child who runs around houses with hero cape, arresting several imaginary bandits and ends up helping Nina at various times.
Not only is the plot good as the characters are very well characterized and I found myself stuck reading, crazy to know how Nina would get out of the confusions she created and if everything would end well.
With a light and amusing language, the writer led me to remember my adolescence, because at this same age I went through problems similar to Nina.
I also began to observe my daughters and their friends and see that there is hope for the world and that the future may be uncertain but we and they can be and make a difference.
I love books like that, young people needs more books with positive messages and the bigger folks need a little tea of hope every once in a while.
A quiet book to leave people quiet and recommend reading to everyone children and adults.
Highly recommended.
6/5 stars.
Kisses, Myl
Perfect, is not it? More than perfect !
Nina has lived in the same neighborhood since she was little and grew up with Eli and Jorie, her inseparable friends .... or so she thought ... until the beginning of that summer. Eli has problems with the loose father who always leaves the family. Jorie is more interested in being popular than paying attention to Nina. And she tries to keep the friendship but no longer recognizes her friends.
Nina is a thirteen year old girl who is living well that transition phase between childhood and adulthood where the person wants to grow but does not understand how and why everything around her is different, always being homesick for the past. Her childhood friends are different, her school friends traveled and did not invite her and her family does not pay attention to her anymore.
She finished elementary school and is facing the challenge of high school, so she and Jorie enrolled in summer classes to get introduce to the new school.
In a moment of boredom as she watches the life of Mrs. Chung, her neighbor who broke a foot and is trying to take care of her flowers, Nina decides she will do something different this summer.
And this is how this sweet, weird and different girl will see her whole life be transformed,.
She gradually makes small kindness and discovering how pleasant it is to do Good without looking at Who.
Of course this will come at a price and it will spark a revolution on the street and in the lives of everyone around her.
It is worth noting the constant and witty presence of Eli's brother, Thomas, a pure child who runs around houses with hero cape, arresting several imaginary bandits and ends up helping Nina at various times.
Not only is the plot good as the characters are very well characterized and I found myself stuck reading, crazy to know how Nina would get out of the confusions she created and if everything would end well.
With a light and amusing language, the writer led me to remember my adolescence, because at this same age I went through problems similar to Nina.
I also began to observe my daughters and their friends and see that there is hope for the world and that the future may be uncertain but we and they can be and make a difference.
I love books like that, young people needs more books with positive messages and the bigger folks need a little tea of hope every once in a while.
A quiet book to leave people quiet and recommend reading to everyone children and adults.
Highly recommended.
6/5 stars.
Kisses, Myl
June 3, 2015
What a wonderful story. I believe in the power of good, and this author does a great job making her characters come fully alive. Ms. Weber uses a comfortable style to aspire to in my own fiction. Kudos to the author for making me fall in love with Nina, Eli and Jorie like I was back in the summer before middle school myself. I have also read her other book, Calli Be Gold and can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
May 23, 2016
Definitely an adorable read, especially with summer rolling around the corner. With a cute summer romance and dealing with friends, it's the perfect description of the difficulties with transferring into high school. An added plus with crazy neighbor and family struggles, it's a very relatable book. With wanting to do something small, little and good in the neighborhood each day, it ends up ringing everyone together to have an amazing summer. I'm thinking about trying it :)
January 26, 2014
This was a cute book with a sweet message. A young girl decides to do some good in her neighborhood by doing 65 anonymous good deeds. This stirs up some trouble, some romance, and some fun in the lives of the young Nina as well as her neighbors. The plot was fun, and very light and I would recommend this to a tween.
August 6, 2016
This book was a cute middle grade contemporary, and I have nothing else to say about it! :)
March 22, 2018
3rd quarter 4th choice book
I LOVED this book it is about a girl named Nina that is doing 65 good things for people around her
cul-de-sac. I really liked how this book had lots of things going on with Nina doing her 65 good things, her friend Jorie trying to get Eli to ask her to prom, Nina joining art class and making a new friend, and Jorie trying to find Nina a date to prom. Then at the end a big thing changes and changes the book. I also like how Nina is doing her 65 good things and does not want anyone to know it is her like when she planted marigolds in Mrs.Chung's yard, helping the Catalonis kid John. I thought this book did a amazing job trying to connect you to the characters. At the end of the book I felt like I knew the main character Nina really well. I thought their were some parts that were a little interesting like when Mrs.Chang thought their was a fox that was bad luck in the grass next to the Dixon house. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes realistic fictions books with some romance in it.
I LOVED this book it is about a girl named Nina that is doing 65 good things for people around her
cul-de-sac. I really liked how this book had lots of things going on with Nina doing her 65 good things, her friend Jorie trying to get Eli to ask her to prom, Nina joining art class and making a new friend, and Jorie trying to find Nina a date to prom. Then at the end a big thing changes and changes the book. I also like how Nina is doing her 65 good things and does not want anyone to know it is her like when she planted marigolds in Mrs.Chung's yard, helping the Catalonis kid John. I thought this book did a amazing job trying to connect you to the characters. At the end of the book I felt like I knew the main character Nina really well. I thought their were some parts that were a little interesting like when Mrs.Chang thought their was a fox that was bad luck in the grass next to the Dixon house. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes realistic fictions books with some romance in it.
January 6, 2018
I'm winding down on my 2018-2019 Iowa Children's Choice reading list, and this was a pleasant little surprise. I'd heard nothing about it and am unfamiliar with the author, but it was really enjoyable. It was nice to read a book about a middle schooler doing good deeds just because she can--and watching the ripple effect it has on her neighborhood is lovely. There's some cliche here--a little tween romance, a little friend drama, and a little "finding yourself"--but the story is so sweet.
April 18, 2018
Choice book 1 Quarter 4
I really liked this book. Nina is a sweet girl who had a big character change. She went from not wanting to do anything this summer to someone who makes a big difference. Everyday, one small action of kindness changed her cul-de-sac. And she did it all in secret! My favorite character is Nina (of course) but I also love Thomas. He just has this cute little kid personality that reminds me of when I was little! This book has inspired me. I've decided that this summer I will do the same thing that Nina did and see if it actually makes a difference!
I really liked this book. Nina is a sweet girl who had a big character change. She went from not wanting to do anything this summer to someone who makes a big difference. Everyday, one small action of kindness changed her cul-de-sac. And she did it all in secret! My favorite character is Nina (of course) but I also love Thomas. He just has this cute little kid personality that reminds me of when I was little! This book has inspired me. I've decided that this summer I will do the same thing that Nina did and see if it actually makes a difference!
May 10, 2017
It's been some time since I've read a middle grade book and this did not disappoint. I fell in love with the main character Nina. Nina has inspired me to remember that tiny acts of kindness can make a world of difference in others lives.
August 18, 2019
This was one of the summer reading options for my granddaughter as she enters middle school, and I read it in conjunction with her. While some of the characters were a little over the top - for example Mrs. Millman - I liked the uplifting message that small kindnesses can have a large effect.
February 11, 2025
A mio parere un libro meraviglioso, emozione pura per questa storia ricca di gentilezza 💖. In un periodo in cui si parla sempre più spesso solo di cattiverie è una lettura che scalda ancora di più il ❤️
August 1, 2021
MUITO comfort read, é muito fofo e tudo sobre ele me traz felicidade
June 14, 2023
I took this book out from the library one summer and it stuck with me for years until today when I finally got to reread it. This story is so bright, well crafted, and a beautiful microcosm like the cul-de-sac it takes place in. literally the perfect way to start my summer and the hope I needed today personified. the way to beauty and change is truly through the everyday. adding to my “books to buy a copy of” list :)
May 20, 2016
Does doing good make a difference?
This summer, Nina decides to change things. She hatches a plan. There are sixty-five days of summer. Every day, she'll anonymously do one small but remarkable good thing for someone in her neighborhood, and find out: does doing good actually make a difference? Along the way, she discovers that her neighborhood, and her family, are full of surprises and secrets.
- from the book jacket
It all starts with a high school teacher and Nina's neighbor. Mrs. Chung can't plant the marigolds she always plants because she is on crutches. Nina thinks about what her high school history teacher said on the last day of school, "It is very often the ordinary things that go unnoticed that end up making a difference. As you embark upon your high school careers, be unnoticed, but be remarkable."
This is a sweet story, with a bit of romance and some best friend drama. Nina is a nice girl, but not perfect and she doesn't usually go out of her way to do nice things for others. Something as simple as picking up a paper her classmate dropped and returning it to her counts as a "good thing". I guess this proves that you don't have to be super nice to make a difference. Maybe just a little less inconsiderate.
I liked the book. I liked the message. I hope a lot of teens and pre-teens read it. If they were to try to be just a bit nicer to themselves and to others, the world would be a better place. But, I won't hold my breath.
I will say that the cover is a bit deceiving. The girl on the cover looks way older than 13.
This is on the Sunshine State Young Readers Award nomination list for 2016-2017. Last year I tried to read all the nominees but didn't quite make it. This year, I am getting a head start and trying again. Wish me luck!
Recommended to:
Grades 4 thru 8, may appeal more to girls. (Reminds me of This Journal Belongs to Ratchet, on last year's Sunshine State list.)
This summer, Nina decides to change things. She hatches a plan. There are sixty-five days of summer. Every day, she'll anonymously do one small but remarkable good thing for someone in her neighborhood, and find out: does doing good actually make a difference? Along the way, she discovers that her neighborhood, and her family, are full of surprises and secrets.
- from the book jacket
It all starts with a high school teacher and Nina's neighbor. Mrs. Chung can't plant the marigolds she always plants because she is on crutches. Nina thinks about what her high school history teacher said on the last day of school, "It is very often the ordinary things that go unnoticed that end up making a difference. As you embark upon your high school careers, be unnoticed, but be remarkable."
This is a sweet story, with a bit of romance and some best friend drama. Nina is a nice girl, but not perfect and she doesn't usually go out of her way to do nice things for others. Something as simple as picking up a paper her classmate dropped and returning it to her counts as a "good thing". I guess this proves that you don't have to be super nice to make a difference. Maybe just a little less inconsiderate.
I liked the book. I liked the message. I hope a lot of teens and pre-teens read it. If they were to try to be just a bit nicer to themselves and to others, the world would be a better place. But, I won't hold my breath.
I will say that the cover is a bit deceiving. The girl on the cover looks way older than 13.
This is on the Sunshine State Young Readers Award nomination list for 2016-2017. Last year I tried to read all the nominees but didn't quite make it. This year, I am getting a head start and trying again. Wish me luck!
Recommended to:
Grades 4 thru 8, may appeal more to girls. (Reminds me of This Journal Belongs to Ratchet, on last year's Sunshine State list.)
February 5, 2015
Nina Ross is a bored thirteen year-old. It’s summer, a time most teenagers yearn for, but with her parents working all the time, her brother ignoring her most of the time, and the death of her grandmother the past year, Nina isn’t having the time of her life. That is until Nina sees her neighbor, Mrs. Chung, struggling with her flowers and decides to help out. Without ever letting Mrs. Chung know, Nina plants the flowers and realizes that one act of kindness can change a person’s day. Nina’s summer quickly goes from boring to purposeful as she decides to complete one random act of kindness for her neighbors each day for the entire summer; 65 kind acts for the 65 days of summer. This seems like an easy task until Nina’s know-it-all neighbor, Mrs. Millman, begins to stakeout the neighborhood for the “vandal” doing good deeds. Nina’s new stealth in completing her tasks allows her to learn more about her neighborhood, brother, and friends, which leads Nina to grow herself. This is a great read for middle school girls trying to figure out where they belong and who they want to be.
I picked up The Summer I Saved the World in 65 Days because the title was intriguing. As I began reading the novel, I was quickly caught up with Nina and her neighbors. I enjoyed learning about each household as Nina developed her own self and identity. My biggest issue with the novel is the front cover. The girl on the cover looks to be to be in her 20s, not a 13 year-old. This at times distracted from the fact that Nina is only a middle-schooler, not a teenager. Besides this fact, this novel is endearing and a great book to have to help students realize that kindness goes a long way.
I picked up The Summer I Saved the World in 65 Days because the title was intriguing. As I began reading the novel, I was quickly caught up with Nina and her neighbors. I enjoyed learning about each household as Nina developed her own self and identity. My biggest issue with the novel is the front cover. The girl on the cover looks to be to be in her 20s, not a 13 year-old. This at times distracted from the fact that Nina is only a middle-schooler, not a teenager. Besides this fact, this novel is endearing and a great book to have to help students realize that kindness goes a long way.
February 24, 2017
Nina normally would have been excited for the summer this year is just not the year. Her grandma died last year, her parents are busy with work, and her brother is either at school or at the pool. On top of that her best friend's personality has changed and she is now into BOYS, makeup, and shopping. Nina definitely isn't like Jori, but the more she thinks about maybe she is. This summer Nina decides to put happiness into her neighbors lives. Her plan is to do at least one good thing, anonymously, for the 65 days of summer. Through her generous journey Nina questions if doing good will make a difference in her neighbor's lives but she also finds out that her family and friends are full of surprises. Who knows if things will turn out the way that Nina expects them too.
I recommend this book to readers who love realistic fiction, young adult, middle age, romance, and fiction.
I recommend this book to readers who love realistic fiction, young adult, middle age, romance, and fiction.
February 25, 2017
I read this because it was chosen as one of the Florida Sunshine State Young Reader Award Finalists for 2016-2017 school year. (SSYRA)
This could easily turn out to be my favorite book of 2017. The Kirkus Review on the front says it is an "unabashedly feel-good story" and that is no lie! I loved this book so much. I am a slow reader and yet I read it easily within a 24 hour period. The words just flew off the page and I can't say enough good things about it.
The story is about a teenage girl who decides to do some good things in her neighborhood, and do them anonymously. Sometimes things don't go as planned, but the result is so heart-warming. I think that if every teenager (and every adult too) would read this book and get in this mindset, then the world would be a much better place.
I hope this author writes a lot more books and I can't wait to read them.
This could easily turn out to be my favorite book of 2017. The Kirkus Review on the front says it is an "unabashedly feel-good story" and that is no lie! I loved this book so much. I am a slow reader and yet I read it easily within a 24 hour period. The words just flew off the page and I can't say enough good things about it.
The story is about a teenage girl who decides to do some good things in her neighborhood, and do them anonymously. Sometimes things don't go as planned, but the result is so heart-warming. I think that if every teenager (and every adult too) would read this book and get in this mindset, then the world would be a much better place.
I hope this author writes a lot more books and I can't wait to read them.
August 5, 2015
Ma chronique complète : http://bloggalleane.blogspot.fr/2015/...
Il faut parfois bien peu de choses pour qu'une chose incroyable se produise. Discrètement, Nina va tenter de faire quelque chose pour les autres. Elle qui était assez passive, va agir et réaliser de petites choses pour les gens qu'elle côtoie. Si j'attendais plus de complexité dans ce roman, une histoire moins simple, j'ai pris un petit plaisir manifeste à la suivre et à découvrir les personnages que l'histoire dévoile. L'ensemble dégage une certaine tendresse et fait passer, à sa façon, un moment qui réchauffe le cœur.
Il faut parfois bien peu de choses pour qu'une chose incroyable se produise. Discrètement, Nina va tenter de faire quelque chose pour les autres. Elle qui était assez passive, va agir et réaliser de petites choses pour les gens qu'elle côtoie. Si j'attendais plus de complexité dans ce roman, une histoire moins simple, j'ai pris un petit plaisir manifeste à la suivre et à découvrir les personnages que l'histoire dévoile. L'ensemble dégage une certaine tendresse et fait passer, à sa façon, un moment qui réchauffe le cœur.
October 29, 2016
This is a really cool book. It shows the importants of being kind and doing good deeds for other people.
Read
November 3, 2019SPOILERS
“It all started with Mrs. Chung,” (Hurwitz 1). This is the first sentence that is in The Summer I Saved the World in 65 Days. This book is about a young girl named Nina Ross who just finished her last year of middle school. The book starts at the beginning of the summer before her freshman year of high school begins. For the 65 days of summer, Nina has challenged herself to do 65 different acts of kindness. As she follows through with her challenge, she discovers new secrets and finds romance within the neighborhood. I think that readers will enjoy reading this book. The storyline and topics that are discussed in the book can be relatable to many readers..
In the book, Nina talks about how it has been almost one whole year since her grandmother had died. She was very close to her and she was almost like a second mother. In many parts of the story such as when she is sewing the superhero cape of her neighbor, Nina refers to her grandmother and talks about different times about her, but also uses objects that symbolize her. For me and other readers, we can connect with this aspect of the story. My grandmother died almost a year and a half ago and I always think about different stories and fun times I have had with her. I also have a necklace that has a butterfly on it. This represents my grandmother. When she was ill in the hospital, they had put butterfly stickers all over the window looking over the city. From what I have gone through, I am able to connect to how Nina feels, which helps me enjoy the story even more.
Nina has a best friend named Jorie. Jorie is obsessed with being taken to homecoming by Eli, another kid that lives in their neighborhood as well. Of course it is their freshman year and they want their first homecoming to be the best thing ever. “This is the summer Eli and I are going to get together. I’ve got it all planned. We’ll start our freshman year as a couple. The boy next door. How cute is that?” (Hurwitz 30). This is when Jorie initiates the idea of getting Eli to be her boyfriend. I remember my first homecoming and that summer when I planned out in my head that I knew exactly who I wanted to ask me to the dance, because I thought he really liked me back. Besides going with Eli, Jorie becomes obsessed with finding the perfect dress for the dance and Nina thinks it is a little ridiculous. I feel the way that Nina feels sometimes. When it comes close to a school dance, my best friend always rushes up to me and asks which dress I like. I always agree with which ever she likes best so she can just make a decision.
One of my favorite things in the book is what Nina’s mission is for over the summer. I love that Nina wants to do more for those around her. She decides to do nice things that she can do for each day of summer vacation. I think it is really cool that the author used this idea in her story, because it shows that the smallest acts of kindness in secret can make a big change. For example, Nina decides to give her neighbors some good luck by placing pennies in the mail boxes. “On day five, I place a penny (heads up) in each of my neighbors’ mailboxes to bring them good luck” (Hurwitz 21). The different acts of kindness done were able to change some relationships throughout the story in good and bad ways. I like how this shows that even the smallest acts such as cleaning for someone can make a big difference.
The Summer I Saved the World in 65 Days is a realistic fiction book that can easily connect with and inspire readers of all kinds. I do not usually like to read, but this book I enjoy reading. I think readers will enjoy the mission that Nina has planned for her summer, because it shows what small actions can do. Readers will also enjoy that they can make personal connections to conflicts in the story whether it is a death of someone that they are close to or getting ready or planning for big and important events for the first time.
“It all started with Mrs. Chung,” (Hurwitz 1). This is the first sentence that is in The Summer I Saved the World in 65 Days. This book is about a young girl named Nina Ross who just finished her last year of middle school. The book starts at the beginning of the summer before her freshman year of high school begins. For the 65 days of summer, Nina has challenged herself to do 65 different acts of kindness. As she follows through with her challenge, she discovers new secrets and finds romance within the neighborhood. I think that readers will enjoy reading this book. The storyline and topics that are discussed in the book can be relatable to many readers..
In the book, Nina talks about how it has been almost one whole year since her grandmother had died. She was very close to her and she was almost like a second mother. In many parts of the story such as when she is sewing the superhero cape of her neighbor, Nina refers to her grandmother and talks about different times about her, but also uses objects that symbolize her. For me and other readers, we can connect with this aspect of the story. My grandmother died almost a year and a half ago and I always think about different stories and fun times I have had with her. I also have a necklace that has a butterfly on it. This represents my grandmother. When she was ill in the hospital, they had put butterfly stickers all over the window looking over the city. From what I have gone through, I am able to connect to how Nina feels, which helps me enjoy the story even more.
Nina has a best friend named Jorie. Jorie is obsessed with being taken to homecoming by Eli, another kid that lives in their neighborhood as well. Of course it is their freshman year and they want their first homecoming to be the best thing ever. “This is the summer Eli and I are going to get together. I’ve got it all planned. We’ll start our freshman year as a couple. The boy next door. How cute is that?” (Hurwitz 30). This is when Jorie initiates the idea of getting Eli to be her boyfriend. I remember my first homecoming and that summer when I planned out in my head that I knew exactly who I wanted to ask me to the dance, because I thought he really liked me back. Besides going with Eli, Jorie becomes obsessed with finding the perfect dress for the dance and Nina thinks it is a little ridiculous. I feel the way that Nina feels sometimes. When it comes close to a school dance, my best friend always rushes up to me and asks which dress I like. I always agree with which ever she likes best so she can just make a decision.
One of my favorite things in the book is what Nina’s mission is for over the summer. I love that Nina wants to do more for those around her. She decides to do nice things that she can do for each day of summer vacation. I think it is really cool that the author used this idea in her story, because it shows that the smallest acts of kindness in secret can make a big change. For example, Nina decides to give her neighbors some good luck by placing pennies in the mail boxes. “On day five, I place a penny (heads up) in each of my neighbors’ mailboxes to bring them good luck” (Hurwitz 21). The different acts of kindness done were able to change some relationships throughout the story in good and bad ways. I like how this shows that even the smallest acts such as cleaning for someone can make a big difference.
The Summer I Saved the World in 65 Days is a realistic fiction book that can easily connect with and inspire readers of all kinds. I do not usually like to read, but this book I enjoy reading. I think readers will enjoy the mission that Nina has planned for her summer, because it shows what small actions can do. Readers will also enjoy that they can make personal connections to conflicts in the story whether it is a death of someone that they are close to or getting ready or planning for big and important events for the first time.
August 7, 2017
"And what if the solution is just ... good. Plain, simple, small good things, so unnoticed, so unremarkable that they're remarkable. And what if ordinary people could be heroes?"
Nina Ross is an old soul, according to her grandmother. She lives in a cul-de-sac, where she and best friends, Jorie and Eli, have grown up together. As she is heading into her summer break before her freshman year of high school, she is thinking about her life. She misses her grandmother terribly, who passed away nearly a year ago. Her older brother Matt is never home after the incident at school. And her attorney parents are in the middle of a high profile divorce case and are spending every waking moment with that as their focus.
Nina is watching Mrs. Chung, her neighbor with a cast on her leg, try to plant marigolds. Mrs. Chung is obviously struggling when Nina's teacher, Mr. Pontello's words, come to mind: "It is very often the ordinary things that go unnoticed that end up making a difference ... be unnoticed, but be remarkable." Nina is suddenly struck with an idea and when Mrs. Chung goes into the house to rest, Nina plants the marigolds for her. "For the first time in my life, I didn't wait for someone else to step up. And that is the beginning of everything." She knows her grandmother would be proud.
And so begins Nina's mission. In the 65 days before the first day of high school, Nina plans to do one good thing every day. The guidelines for these acts are they should be "small, unnoticed things, but remarkable in their smallness and unnoticed-ness." And they must be done anonymously. She starts to do little things for her neighbors: Hershey kisses in mailboxes; cleaning up toys in the Cantaloni's yard; leaving brownies on Mr. Dembrowski's steps. But Mrs. Millman, the neighborhood busy body, is on the lookout. She knows something sinister is going on, so Nina has to be very careful. "Anonymous good versus suspicion."
And slowly, things start to change in the neighborhood and in Nina's life. Nina wishes she could share what's going on with someone. Jorie would be her first choice, but Jorie just wouldn't get why Nina is doing all of this. Besides, Jorie has her own project for the summer. She intends to hook up with Eli in the hopes that he will invite her to homecoming in the fall. It is her all consuming passion. Eli, on the other hand, seems to be having other problems. His deadbeat father keeps showing up and causing trouble. He is angry and seems to be losing hope. "This world is too messed up for little things to matter." Nina is determined that her little efforts are going to have big results. But is she being naive?
What a wonderful, inspirational book.
Nina Ross is an old soul, according to her grandmother. She lives in a cul-de-sac, where she and best friends, Jorie and Eli, have grown up together. As she is heading into her summer break before her freshman year of high school, she is thinking about her life. She misses her grandmother terribly, who passed away nearly a year ago. Her older brother Matt is never home after the incident at school. And her attorney parents are in the middle of a high profile divorce case and are spending every waking moment with that as their focus.
Nina is watching Mrs. Chung, her neighbor with a cast on her leg, try to plant marigolds. Mrs. Chung is obviously struggling when Nina's teacher, Mr. Pontello's words, come to mind: "It is very often the ordinary things that go unnoticed that end up making a difference ... be unnoticed, but be remarkable." Nina is suddenly struck with an idea and when Mrs. Chung goes into the house to rest, Nina plants the marigolds for her. "For the first time in my life, I didn't wait for someone else to step up. And that is the beginning of everything." She knows her grandmother would be proud.
And so begins Nina's mission. In the 65 days before the first day of high school, Nina plans to do one good thing every day. The guidelines for these acts are they should be "small, unnoticed things, but remarkable in their smallness and unnoticed-ness." And they must be done anonymously. She starts to do little things for her neighbors: Hershey kisses in mailboxes; cleaning up toys in the Cantaloni's yard; leaving brownies on Mr. Dembrowski's steps. But Mrs. Millman, the neighborhood busy body, is on the lookout. She knows something sinister is going on, so Nina has to be very careful. "Anonymous good versus suspicion."
And slowly, things start to change in the neighborhood and in Nina's life. Nina wishes she could share what's going on with someone. Jorie would be her first choice, but Jorie just wouldn't get why Nina is doing all of this. Besides, Jorie has her own project for the summer. She intends to hook up with Eli in the hopes that he will invite her to homecoming in the fall. It is her all consuming passion. Eli, on the other hand, seems to be having other problems. His deadbeat father keeps showing up and causing trouble. He is angry and seems to be losing hope. "This world is too messed up for little things to matter." Nina is determined that her little efforts are going to have big results. But is she being naive?
What a wonderful, inspirational book.
June 20, 2021
If I’m upfront and honest, I didn’t particularly enjoy this novel all that well. I definitely don’t think I would read it again...it just wasn’t my cup of tea. But let’s see what this book is about shall we?
Nina Ross is dealing with a lot of change this summer. Jorie has become more interested in “being trendy” and flirting with boys, her brother seems to have closed up, her parents are so busy with work and Eli is dealing with so much hurt. Nina is feeling so alone and doesn’t know how to spend her summer...until she embarks on her own challenge.
I loved the idea of Nina spending her whole summer doing random acts of kindness around her neighbor. From leaving treats, to planting flowers, to sewing, to pretty much anything that’s kind. What a lovely way to spend time!
It’s quite humorous because at the beginning of the book, she said, “[I’m not] the kind of person who goes out of her way to help people.” That seemed to have changed when she decided to help an injured neighbor and felt good about it. She then discovered that being kind and helping others doesn’t have to be left to others, and instead, she can make an impact by doing it. A small thing can go a long way.
Let’s move onto the things I disliked.
I felt like Nina was slightly obsessing over Eli. She always saw him as a friend when they were little while Jorie had liked him since jump street. In the summer she saved the world, she developed a crush on him and her constant thoughts about him (after their first kiss *shutters*) was annoying. Oh, and Jorie’s reaction when she saw them kiss (their second one *shutters more*) was um, a little over the top. Avoiding Nina? Seriously?? Over a boy???
Anyway, another thing I didn’t like was how the Lord’s name was used in vain pretty constantly towards the end of the book. And even d***** was once said by one of the adults. I was flabbergasted, which resulted in my rating going down.
Oh, and there were barely any descriptions. That is the best part of books for me, and I was disappointed to not see that. I feel like descriptions are what makes the story itself come alive and allows the reader to feel like they're in that novel’s world. Having no descriptions usually makes the writing feel somewhat blunt.
This was a pretty short read (198 pages) and easily readable in a day. While it was pretty cute, I’m not sure if I would read it again. It just wasn't really, really good. I’d give this novel 3 ½ stars and would think it’s best to be read at age 12 and up.
Nina Ross is dealing with a lot of change this summer. Jorie has become more interested in “being trendy” and flirting with boys, her brother seems to have closed up, her parents are so busy with work and Eli is dealing with so much hurt. Nina is feeling so alone and doesn’t know how to spend her summer...until she embarks on her own challenge.
I loved the idea of Nina spending her whole summer doing random acts of kindness around her neighbor. From leaving treats, to planting flowers, to sewing, to pretty much anything that’s kind. What a lovely way to spend time!
It’s quite humorous because at the beginning of the book, she said, “[I’m not] the kind of person who goes out of her way to help people.” That seemed to have changed when she decided to help an injured neighbor and felt good about it. She then discovered that being kind and helping others doesn’t have to be left to others, and instead, she can make an impact by doing it. A small thing can go a long way.
Let’s move onto the things I disliked.
I felt like Nina was slightly obsessing over Eli. She always saw him as a friend when they were little while Jorie had liked him since jump street. In the summer she saved the world, she developed a crush on him and her constant thoughts about him (after their first kiss *shutters*) was annoying. Oh, and Jorie’s reaction when she saw them kiss (their second one *shutters more*) was um, a little over the top. Avoiding Nina? Seriously?? Over a boy???
Anyway, another thing I didn’t like was how the Lord’s name was used in vain pretty constantly towards the end of the book. And even d***** was once said by one of the adults. I was flabbergasted, which resulted in my rating going down.
Oh, and there were barely any descriptions. That is the best part of books for me, and I was disappointed to not see that. I feel like descriptions are what makes the story itself come alive and allows the reader to feel like they're in that novel’s world. Having no descriptions usually makes the writing feel somewhat blunt.
This was a pretty short read (198 pages) and easily readable in a day. While it was pretty cute, I’m not sure if I would read it again. It just wasn't really, really good. I’d give this novel 3 ½ stars and would think it’s best to be read at age 12 and up.
December 4, 2019
Choice Book #2 Quarter 2
The Summer I Saved the World... in 65 Days is a realistic fiction book written by Michele Weber Hurwitz.
The Summer I Saved the World... in 65 Days takes place in Illinois.
The main character is Nina Ross. Nina is a goofy person, she says her thoughts aloud and doesn't know what she wants to be when she's older. She is also very loving, even to people that are hard to love. The most important people to her were her Grandma, her parents, and brother, her best friend, Jorie, Eli, and his little brother, Thomas. I think Nina is a dynamic character because at the very beginning of the book she said that she didn't say anything, meaning when something happened she didn't do anything. She changed that by doing nice things for her neighbors and her friends and family.
Some of the main conflicts in this book are that one of Nina's neighbors, Mrs. Millman, is paranoid but the fact that Nina is doing good things for people and is determined to find who is doing it. Another one is that an on the market house that the Dixons' used to live in is "haunted" Mrs. Millman likes to say. And the last conflict is that Nina's best friend, Jorie likes their neighbor, Eli and he asks her to Homecoming, but Eli likes Nina and they're kind of sneaking around. I think it would be a person vs person because she gets into arguments with her parents and brother some other people as well.
The author believes that individuals should spread kindness.
1. One of the first good things Nina does is plant and take care of Mrs. Chung's Marigolds and she was elated.
2. Nina gave Mrs. Bennett, Eli's mom, footpads because she's a nurse and she wears them every day to work.
3. Nina left Mr. Dembrowski treats on his doorstep for him when he went to work at night. She also planted forget-me-not seeds in his flower bed because when her, Eli, and Jorie were kids they ran through his flower bed and he hasn't planted anything since.
I enjoyed the book because of all the nice things Nina did for people and how she didn't tell them it was her because she didn't need or want to be rewarded. My favorite part of the book is when Eli and Nina run to the elementary school park and he kisses her. It somewhat compared to the Sun is Also a Star and Everything, Everything because of the romance parts of the book. If I was the author I wouldn't change a single thing, I love it the way it is.
The Summer I Saved the World... in 65 Days is a realistic fiction book written by Michele Weber Hurwitz.
The Summer I Saved the World... in 65 Days takes place in Illinois.
The main character is Nina Ross. Nina is a goofy person, she says her thoughts aloud and doesn't know what she wants to be when she's older. She is also very loving, even to people that are hard to love. The most important people to her were her Grandma, her parents, and brother, her best friend, Jorie, Eli, and his little brother, Thomas. I think Nina is a dynamic character because at the very beginning of the book she said that she didn't say anything, meaning when something happened she didn't do anything. She changed that by doing nice things for her neighbors and her friends and family.
Some of the main conflicts in this book are that one of Nina's neighbors, Mrs. Millman, is paranoid but the fact that Nina is doing good things for people and is determined to find who is doing it. Another one is that an on the market house that the Dixons' used to live in is "haunted" Mrs. Millman likes to say. And the last conflict is that Nina's best friend, Jorie likes their neighbor, Eli and he asks her to Homecoming, but Eli likes Nina and they're kind of sneaking around. I think it would be a person vs person because she gets into arguments with her parents and brother some other people as well.
The author believes that individuals should spread kindness.
1. One of the first good things Nina does is plant and take care of Mrs. Chung's Marigolds and she was elated.
2. Nina gave Mrs. Bennett, Eli's mom, footpads because she's a nurse and she wears them every day to work.
3. Nina left Mr. Dembrowski treats on his doorstep for him when he went to work at night. She also planted forget-me-not seeds in his flower bed because when her, Eli, and Jorie were kids they ran through his flower bed and he hasn't planted anything since.
I enjoyed the book because of all the nice things Nina did for people and how she didn't tell them it was her because she didn't need or want to be rewarded. My favorite part of the book is when Eli and Nina run to the elementary school park and he kisses her. It somewhat compared to the Sun is Also a Star and Everything, Everything because of the romance parts of the book. If I was the author I wouldn't change a single thing, I love it the way it is.
January 22, 2020
This was a Battle of the Books selection.
Whenever I tackle my battle books, I start with the longest and work my way to the shortest. I have a hard time forcing myself through assigned reading these days so tackling the biggest one makes the rest of them seem easier to get through. I was really surprised that this was our second longest book, though. Coming in at 272 pages, it was a quick read that I kind of tore through.
Nina gets the idea one day when she is laying the her hammock, looking out at her neighborhood. Her neighbor always plants marigolds but this year she's having a hard time. Her leg is in a cast and Nina has no idea when or how she broke it. When Mrs. Chung goes inside, giving up her venture, Nina plants the marigolds and it feels so good and so right that she decides to do 65 little, mostly anonymous, things for the people in her neighborhood.
Things are changing fast for Nina. Her grandmother passed away the year before and her family seems mostly absent. Her best friend growing up, Jorie, may as well live on a different planet and, worse, she's trying very hard to date Eli, who lives on the other side of Nina. She's going to start high school in the fall and is taking a summer course to get used to the building and make friends from other junior highs but being there with Jorie just makes her feel more alone.
Will Nina make a difference with her little acts of kindness? Do little things really change the world?
I absolutely loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down and it really made me feel good. Definitely worth the read.
Whenever I tackle my battle books, I start with the longest and work my way to the shortest. I have a hard time forcing myself through assigned reading these days so tackling the biggest one makes the rest of them seem easier to get through. I was really surprised that this was our second longest book, though. Coming in at 272 pages, it was a quick read that I kind of tore through.
Nina gets the idea one day when she is laying the her hammock, looking out at her neighborhood. Her neighbor always plants marigolds but this year she's having a hard time. Her leg is in a cast and Nina has no idea when or how she broke it. When Mrs. Chung goes inside, giving up her venture, Nina plants the marigolds and it feels so good and so right that she decides to do 65 little, mostly anonymous, things for the people in her neighborhood.
Things are changing fast for Nina. Her grandmother passed away the year before and her family seems mostly absent. Her best friend growing up, Jorie, may as well live on a different planet and, worse, she's trying very hard to date Eli, who lives on the other side of Nina. She's going to start high school in the fall and is taking a summer course to get used to the building and make friends from other junior highs but being there with Jorie just makes her feel more alone.
Will Nina make a difference with her little acts of kindness? Do little things really change the world?
I absolutely loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down and it really made me feel good. Definitely worth the read.
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