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Summer of Rocks
It’s the summer of 1990, and Amy (age 11), Beth (age 9), and Marion (age 6) are in for the family vacation of a lifetime. No, they’re not going Disneyland, Hawaii, or on a Caribbean cruise. No, they’re not flying to Germany to collect pieces of the Berlin Wall.
They will be looking at rocks, though. Lots of rocks. So many rocks.
You see, when your father is a geologist, that’s what you do on your summer vacation. You drive for days to the British Columbia–Yukon border, strapped in the backseat of the family truck with your sisters, fighting over the Gameboy, listening to your parents tell you “fascinating” facts about the scenery, playing the Little Mermaid soundtrack on a loop, and trying not to get elbowed in the face. Doesn’t that sound like a dream vacation? Well, it’s no luxury trip, but it has its highlights—from camping under the stars to wading in natural hot springs to flying a helicopter! And for Amy, Beth, and Marion, the memories they make along the way will last a lifetime. At least that’s what their parents tell them…
They will be looking at rocks, though. Lots of rocks. So many rocks.
You see, when your father is a geologist, that’s what you do on your summer vacation. You drive for days to the British Columbia–Yukon border, strapped in the backseat of the family truck with your sisters, fighting over the Gameboy, listening to your parents tell you “fascinating” facts about the scenery, playing the Little Mermaid soundtrack on a loop, and trying not to get elbowed in the face. Doesn’t that sound like a dream vacation? Well, it’s no luxury trip, but it has its highlights—from camping under the stars to wading in natural hot springs to flying a helicopter! And for Amy, Beth, and Marion, the memories they make along the way will last a lifetime. At least that’s what their parents tell them…
- GenresMiddle Grade
176 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2025
About the author
Jenna Greene
22 books52 followersJenna Greene is a writer, podcaster, teacher, clumsy dancer, dragonboat coach, and semi-professional napper. She's also the co-host of "Quill and Ink: A Podcast for Book Lovers" with Miranda Oh.
www.facebook.com/jennabutrenchukgreene
www.jennagreene.ca
@jgreenewrites
www.facebook.com/jennabutrenchukgreene
www.jennagreene.ca
@jgreenewrites
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 24, 2026
Thank you to Heritage House for the gifted copy. This was one I had been wanting to read for a long time, and it felt especially meaningful to pick up with my own daughter, who is a huge rock lover and a budding geologist!
This story follows three sisters on a summer road trip through British Columbia and up toward the Yukon, led by their geologist dad. It is filled with all the little moments that make family trips so memorable, from long car rides and sibling squabbles to camping, exploring, and discovering new places.
I
loved that the story is told through the perspectives of each of the three sisters. Their different ages and personalities made the story feel so real and added such a fun dynamic to the trip. Each perspective brought something new, and it was so enjoyable seeing the same experiences through their different lenses.
As someone who loves road trips, camping, and exploring BC, this book felt especially relatable and nostalgic. It really captures those simple, special family moments that stick with you!
This story follows three sisters on a summer road trip through British Columbia and up toward the Yukon, led by their geologist dad. It is filled with all the little moments that make family trips so memorable, from long car rides and sibling squabbles to camping, exploring, and discovering new places.
I
loved that the story is told through the perspectives of each of the three sisters. Their different ages and personalities made the story feel so real and added such a fun dynamic to the trip. Each perspective brought something new, and it was so enjoyable seeing the same experiences through their different lenses.
As someone who loves road trips, camping, and exploring BC, this book felt especially relatable and nostalgic. It really captures those simple, special family moments that stick with you!
March 26, 2026
Thank you to Heritage House for the gifted copy. This is such a strong middle grade read and would be a fantastic addition to classroom and school library collections.
This story follows three sisters on a summer road trip through British Columbia and up toward the Yukon with their geologist dad. It is filled with those familiar family moments, long car rides, sibling dynamics, camping, and exploring the natural world.
This book has so much to offer young readers. The multiple perspectives are especially effective, as each sister brings her own voice, age, and personality to the story. This allows readers to see themselves reflected in different ways, and opens up great opportunities for discussion around point of view.
It is also a wonderful cross-curricular connection, especially for students interested in science and nature. The geology elements are woven in naturally, making it engaging for readers who are curious about rocks, nature, and the environment.
Beyond that, it captures the joy of outdoor exploration and family connection in such a relatable way. For students who love road trips, camping, or simply stories about siblings, this will be a hit.
A warm, engaging, and highly recommendable middle grade read for classrooms and libraries
This story follows three sisters on a summer road trip through British Columbia and up toward the Yukon with their geologist dad. It is filled with those familiar family moments, long car rides, sibling dynamics, camping, and exploring the natural world.
This book has so much to offer young readers. The multiple perspectives are especially effective, as each sister brings her own voice, age, and personality to the story. This allows readers to see themselves reflected in different ways, and opens up great opportunities for discussion around point of view.
It is also a wonderful cross-curricular connection, especially for students interested in science and nature. The geology elements are woven in naturally, making it engaging for readers who are curious about rocks, nature, and the environment.
Beyond that, it captures the joy of outdoor exploration and family connection in such a relatable way. For students who love road trips, camping, or simply stories about siblings, this will be a hit.
A warm, engaging, and highly recommendable middle grade read for classrooms and libraries
April 22, 2025
2.5/5 stars. I wish this had either been 1 POV instead of multiple, or a longer book. It felt like too much crammed into a relatively short book. The writing was quite good despite that, it just felt like there wasn’t the room the story needed to develop naturally.
December 31, 2025
Very cute travel/exploration/coming of age YA story. Three POV's 11, 9, and 6 year old sisters who each experience personal growth. I enjoyed the local BC landmarks and the honest but wholesome depiction of a family vacation.
April 16, 2026
A 90's summer, family adventure story worth reading. The shifting perspectives between the 6, 9, and 12 year old sisters brilliantly captures the interpersonal dynamics of a family road trip and has the reader rooting for everyone.
September 17, 2025
Three sisters travel with their Geologist father where they discover rocks, a wilderness road trip and each other. Cute story about family memories.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews