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Loon Cove Summer
Looking for that perfect read for kids ages 9-13? Loon Cove Summer explores grief, courage, and conservation in a powerful lakeside adventure.
Adventure Story for Kids 9-13 and Teens. Friendship, environmental causes, family, Appalachian Trail, lakes, camping, nature, adventure, coming-of-age, bird conservation, grief and loss. Great for STEM Teachers, Librarians, Summer Reading, and Classrooms.
This summer, 13-year-old Sarah Richardson is determined to get her life unstuck.
Her goals? Swim in the lake again. Protect the loons. Stop aching for her mom. Volunteering at a wild bird rescue center is a bright spot - especially when she meets Theo, a boy who shares her passion for nature and conservation.
However, life at her family’s Maine campground is shifting. A potential move threatens her home. Her dad might be dating Theo’s aunt, a wildlife researcher. Grief over her mother’s death resurfaces in painful new ways. To reclaim her voice, Sarah finds bold inspiration in her late mom’s Appalachian Trail journal - and sets out on a solo wilderness trek.
As Sarah’s world unravels, her daring journey becomes more than just an adventure - it’s a test of courage, heart, and what it really means to find your place in the wild and in the world.
Perfect for fans of:
- Nature, survival stories, great outdoors, STEM adventure, and environmental causes.
- Books for kids 9 - 13, tweens, and early teen readers.
- Readers of Erin Entrada Kelly, R.J. Palacio, Sharon Draper, Paul Greci, Cathy Carr, and Joan Bauer.
Snapshot:
- A poignant story steeped in friendship and family alongside hilarity and grief.
- For readers searching for meaning and adventure in their own world of firsts.
- A multi-generational cast of witty, quirky characters full of sweet encounters.
- Richly drawn lakeside, camp setting with a wildlife conservation theme.
Praise for Loon Cove Summer:
“An original and fun read from start to finish … inherently compelling and skillfully crafted. With its unexpected plot twists and deftly crafted characters, unreservedly recommended.” – Midwest Book Review
“A warm-hearted novel … balances profound loss with humor and hope.”– Kate Allen, author of The Line Tender
“A page-turning read set in the wilds of Maine.” – Paul Greci, author of Surviving Bear Island
"As sparkling, refreshing, and mysterious as a Maine lake in summertime.” – Cathy Carr, author of 365 Days to Alaska
“The cast of unforgettable characters and tender relationships stays with you.” – Jessica Rinker, author of The Dare Sisters
Adventure Story for Kids 9-13 and Teens. Friendship, environmental causes, family, Appalachian Trail, lakes, camping, nature, adventure, coming-of-age, bird conservation, grief and loss. Great for STEM Teachers, Librarians, Summer Reading, and Classrooms.
This summer, 13-year-old Sarah Richardson is determined to get her life unstuck.
Her goals? Swim in the lake again. Protect the loons. Stop aching for her mom. Volunteering at a wild bird rescue center is a bright spot - especially when she meets Theo, a boy who shares her passion for nature and conservation.
However, life at her family’s Maine campground is shifting. A potential move threatens her home. Her dad might be dating Theo’s aunt, a wildlife researcher. Grief over her mother’s death resurfaces in painful new ways. To reclaim her voice, Sarah finds bold inspiration in her late mom’s Appalachian Trail journal - and sets out on a solo wilderness trek.
As Sarah’s world unravels, her daring journey becomes more than just an adventure - it’s a test of courage, heart, and what it really means to find your place in the wild and in the world.
Perfect for fans of:
- Nature, survival stories, great outdoors, STEM adventure, and environmental causes.
- Books for kids 9 - 13, tweens, and early teen readers.
- Readers of Erin Entrada Kelly, R.J. Palacio, Sharon Draper, Paul Greci, Cathy Carr, and Joan Bauer.
Snapshot:
- A poignant story steeped in friendship and family alongside hilarity and grief.
- For readers searching for meaning and adventure in their own world of firsts.
- A multi-generational cast of witty, quirky characters full of sweet encounters.
- Richly drawn lakeside, camp setting with a wildlife conservation theme.
Praise for Loon Cove Summer:
“An original and fun read from start to finish … inherently compelling and skillfully crafted. With its unexpected plot twists and deftly crafted characters, unreservedly recommended.” – Midwest Book Review
“A warm-hearted novel … balances profound loss with humor and hope.”– Kate Allen, author of The Line Tender
“A page-turning read set in the wilds of Maine.” – Paul Greci, author of Surviving Bear Island
"As sparkling, refreshing, and mysterious as a Maine lake in summertime.” – Cathy Carr, author of 365 Days to Alaska
“The cast of unforgettable characters and tender relationships stays with you.” – Jessica Rinker, author of The Dare Sisters
286 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2025
4 people are currently reading
2881 people want to read
About the author
Donna Galanti
14 books658 followersDonna Galanti is the author of the middle-grade Unicorn Island series, Joshua and the Lightning Road series, Loon Cove Summer as well as the Element Trilogy paranormal thrillers for adults. She has lived in fun locations including England, her family-owned campground in New Hampshire, and in Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer.
Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and with the National Audubon Society. When Donna’s not wandering the woods seeking magic and wonder, you can usually find her biking or kayaking. For more information on her books, school visits, and events, visit her at: www.donnagalanti.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiA...
Donna is an avid outdoor adventurer and nature lover. She volunteers for the Old-Growth Forest Network and with the National Audubon Society. When Donna’s not wandering the woods seeking magic and wonder, you can usually find her biking or kayaking. For more information on her books, school visits, and events, visit her at: www.donnagalanti.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiA...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 11, 2025
Donna Galanti is a talented author that can write fabulous stories that appeal to all ages. Her latest, Loon Cove Summer comes out at the perfect time of year. She draws from real life stories and experiences to make Sarah Richardson’s story feel authentic.
Thirteen year old Sarah Richardson has not been on the lake since her mother’s death. She is determined to turn her life around. She will return to the lake and save the loons. She loves volunteering at the wild bird rehabilitation center.
Sarah becomes friends with Theor and his mother, Maggie, when she comes to study the loons. When Maggie becomes too close to Sarah’s father, her emotion run amok. Then, she finds that the campground she has loved may have to be sold.
She wanted her father to be happy, but she felt Maggie was a threat. Would she lose her father to her? Or would her life become fuller with the addition of Maggie in their lives?
As Sarah struggles to face the challenges in front of her, she will be forced to grow and accept the things she cannot control. She will come to terms with her grief.
I like that Sarah uses her mother’s diary for inspiration.
I love stories that weave fact and fiction together as seamlessly as Donna Galanti has and I love how she uses her own love of the environment to supply us with food for thought. Loon Cove Summer is an adventure that had my emotions mixing with Sarah’s as she grows and develops into a fully fleshed out character.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Thirteen year old Sarah Richardson has not been on the lake since her mother’s death. She is determined to turn her life around. She will return to the lake and save the loons. She loves volunteering at the wild bird rehabilitation center.
Sarah becomes friends with Theor and his mother, Maggie, when she comes to study the loons. When Maggie becomes too close to Sarah’s father, her emotion run amok. Then, she finds that the campground she has loved may have to be sold.
She wanted her father to be happy, but she felt Maggie was a threat. Would she lose her father to her? Or would her life become fuller with the addition of Maggie in their lives?
As Sarah struggles to face the challenges in front of her, she will be forced to grow and accept the things she cannot control. She will come to terms with her grief.
I like that Sarah uses her mother’s diary for inspiration.
I love stories that weave fact and fiction together as seamlessly as Donna Galanti has and I love how she uses her own love of the environment to supply us with food for thought. Loon Cove Summer is an adventure that had my emotions mixing with Sarah’s as she grows and develops into a fully fleshed out character.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
July 7, 2025
Loon Cove Summer is a wonderful story for tween readers 10 -14 years. It raises awareness of environmental issues as thirteen -year-old Sarah volunteers at the wild bird rehabilitation centre and also tracks the loons movements and breeding. She has a mission to save the loons in the area. This was a project she started with her mother.
The introduction of Theo , who is on holiday at the lake, adds a lovely friendship theme. Sarah's crush on Theo is sweet and realistic.
Loon Cove Campground has a wonderful cast of eccentric inhabitants who add wit, humour, words of wisdom and a close community feel to the story.
Loon Cove Summer is a story about realising your dreams for the future and working towards making them happen.
Loon Cove Summer is a memorable read filled with humour, suspense, hope and reconciliation.
My full review can be read here: https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog...
The introduction of Theo , who is on holiday at the lake, adds a lovely friendship theme. Sarah's crush on Theo is sweet and realistic.
Loon Cove Campground has a wonderful cast of eccentric inhabitants who add wit, humour, words of wisdom and a close community feel to the story.
Loon Cove Summer is a story about realising your dreams for the future and working towards making them happen.
Loon Cove Summer is a memorable read filled with humour, suspense, hope and reconciliation.
My full review can be read here: https://littlesquirrelsbookshelf.blog...
April 14, 2025
Sarah lives with her father and uncle at a camp in Maine, however the family is struggling to keep the camp going and dad is now working during the week hours away. Additionally, Sarah has noticed that the loons that call the camp lake home are disappearing and tries to enlist the help of a loon expert but hears nothing back from the college she reaches out to. One day, while watching the lake, Sarah hears a loon in distress and, much to her surprise, she is aided in rescuing the injured loon by a loon expert sent from the college. Sarah soon befriends Maggie and her nephew, Theo, and sets out for a summer of loon adventure. However, when Dad starts to mention selling the campground that Sarah calls home, she is determined to save it. But she becomes conflicted when Maggie and her dad become friends and maybe something more...Sarah's not ready for her dad to date and definitely not ready to leave Loon Cove Campground. Will Sarah and her family be able to save the loons and campground? Will Maggie and Theo hang around for longer than the summer?
An emotional, heartwarming story sharing how grief manifests itself differently for each of us and how one step forward might also mean one step back in the process of healing.
An emotional, heartwarming story sharing how grief manifests itself differently for each of us and how one step forward might also mean one step back in the process of healing.
April 15, 2025
A beautiful story of family, love, loss and loons. The connections these characters have with nature is incredibly refreshing given technology today.
Sarah is navigating grief while facing even more big changes while she struggles to help keep their campground afloat, build a connection with her dad and trying to find a way to hold on tight to her mom's memory.
I loved the inclusion of diary entries to connect Sarah and her Mom, Sarah's determination and strength and the touch on first crushes.
Sarah is navigating grief while facing even more big changes while she struggles to help keep their campground afloat, build a connection with her dad and trying to find a way to hold on tight to her mom's memory.
I loved the inclusion of diary entries to connect Sarah and her Mom, Sarah's determination and strength and the touch on first crushes.
April 2, 2025
Sarah Richardson is spending her summer working on her father's campsite and protecting endangered loons. Her best friend, Gemmi, leaves on a cross-country adventure with her parents to Oregon and back. Before Gemmi leaves, she and Sarah make a Summer Dream Do List, and each intends to make their dreams become a reality. Sarah intends to work on the campsite, rescue loons, and kiss a boy. While Gemmi's list is a bit more adventurous, she still promises to remain as supportive of her best friend as she possibly can-- through text messages. Sarah is exceptionally responsible for a 13-year-old girl-- she volunteers for a raptor rescue center, helps out at home, works to clean up the campsite, and even shares shifts at the store. With her father away Mondays through Fridays, Sarah has become especially attached to her uncle Juju who has become a dependable caretaker and parental figure in her life. Sarah is faced with confronting missing her mother who has left Srah and the rest of her family with little more than her collection of scarves and a journal she wrote while hiking across the Appalachian Trail (from Georgia to Maine!). However, Sarah's determination will prove to carry her far.
Loon Cover Summer begins a bit awkwardly, how after the initial couple chapters, the novel reads fairly smoothly and consistently. Readers will love following along with the main female protagonist, Sarah as she endeavors to rescue loons and befriend the many people who visit the campsite, including a young boy named Theo and his Aunt Maggie. Maggie is a naturalist and a loon expert who was sent by the University of Maine after Sarah emailed them so frequently the faculty became concerned over the conditions the loons were enduring. Perhaps only Reenie, the head of the raptor conservancy center, fully understands Sarah's passion for overseeing the wellbeing of this special and unique birds.
Donna Galanti has written a wonderful novel with delightful lines of dialogue and descriptions of a beautiful landscape of Maine. Her dedication to protecting endangered birds, wildlife, and endangered trees shines brightly through this narrative. The journal entries written by Srah's mother serves as a catalyst into greater emotional depth and understanding of the woman who has left Sarah in such an unresolved emotional state. Each of the characters are well defined and add greater emotional complexity. The characters prove that they are family, friends, and share common goals of protecting their surrounding environment, preserving the loons and other birds, bringing in more people to their campsite, and solidifying friendships.
Loon Cover Summer begins a bit awkwardly, how after the initial couple chapters, the novel reads fairly smoothly and consistently. Readers will love following along with the main female protagonist, Sarah as she endeavors to rescue loons and befriend the many people who visit the campsite, including a young boy named Theo and his Aunt Maggie. Maggie is a naturalist and a loon expert who was sent by the University of Maine after Sarah emailed them so frequently the faculty became concerned over the conditions the loons were enduring. Perhaps only Reenie, the head of the raptor conservancy center, fully understands Sarah's passion for overseeing the wellbeing of this special and unique birds.
Donna Galanti has written a wonderful novel with delightful lines of dialogue and descriptions of a beautiful landscape of Maine. Her dedication to protecting endangered birds, wildlife, and endangered trees shines brightly through this narrative. The journal entries written by Srah's mother serves as a catalyst into greater emotional depth and understanding of the woman who has left Sarah in such an unresolved emotional state. Each of the characters are well defined and add greater emotional complexity. The characters prove that they are family, friends, and share common goals of protecting their surrounding environment, preserving the loons and other birds, bringing in more people to their campsite, and solidifying friendships.
March 8, 2025
What a wonderful book about family, courage, healing, and grief as Sarah is still dealing with the loss of her mom six months ago. At the campground that dad owns, Sarah wonder why the loons are disappearing and volunteers at the raptor rehab center. Sarah’s plan for the summer is to try and figure out a plan to save the campground and look for loons. Theo arrives with his aunt, Maggie, who turns out to be a loon expert sent by the university. Theo and Sarah hang out and look for loons, and she tells him she wants to hike Mt. Katahdin alone because her mom did. When Sarah finds out her dad is becoming friends with Maggie, Sarah gets mad. Sarah decides to leave one morning to hike the mountain trail, but something happens while she’s on the trail. What happens now?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 9, 2025
This one made me cry. Not just the end, but many moments where I wanted to hold the main character closer.
The author did a brilliant job juggling three strong plotlines, combining a journey of grief (how the family reacts individually and as a family) with a rescue of the loons in the lake that helps balance and heal the environment. (I learned that a fallen tree can contribute a lot to the ecosystem feeding other animals, etc...) At the same time, daily life continues, bringing bills, worries, new friendships, but also a first kiss and work at the camp. Uncle Juju was a great character to balance all the drama/conflict parts.
This summer, Sarah doesn't have the support of her best friend who is traveling, although she is present in text with great advice. Sarah has to deal with anger and pain from missing her mom. She makes new friends with Theo and Maggie, saving birds and their nests, being brave, and doing good even to mean twins. I loved Sarah. Even during her breakdown and worst moments, she found a way back and dared to make amends.
I felt that I was spending a weekend at this wonderful camp by the lake listening to the loons and painting the landscape.
I love the cover's depth into the horizon a lot.
The author did a brilliant job juggling three strong plotlines, combining a journey of grief (how the family reacts individually and as a family) with a rescue of the loons in the lake that helps balance and heal the environment. (I learned that a fallen tree can contribute a lot to the ecosystem feeding other animals, etc...) At the same time, daily life continues, bringing bills, worries, new friendships, but also a first kiss and work at the camp. Uncle Juju was a great character to balance all the drama/conflict parts.
This summer, Sarah doesn't have the support of her best friend who is traveling, although she is present in text with great advice. Sarah has to deal with anger and pain from missing her mom. She makes new friends with Theo and Maggie, saving birds and their nests, being brave, and doing good even to mean twins. I loved Sarah. Even during her breakdown and worst moments, she found a way back and dared to make amends.
I felt that I was spending a weekend at this wonderful camp by the lake listening to the loons and painting the landscape.
I love the cover's depth into the horizon a lot.
January 10, 2025
A fun read that made me laugh and cry, with characters that leapt off the page. As a birder, I enjoyed the details about the loons and the skillful way the author wove that information into the story.
May 22, 2025
Summer vacation is just beginning for 13-year-old Sarah Richardson–the first summer since her mother passed away from cancer. Sarah is unsure what to expect in this turbulent time, especially since her best friend will be traveling for several weeks and her father is away for days at a time to work in the city. When a researcher arrives who intends to support Sarah’s mission to preserve the loons living on the lake, Sarah begins to see hope emerging around her. But with change comes difficult emotions, and Sarah must learn to lean into the things she can control amidst all that she cannot, ultimately finding a way to navigate through the grief she feels over her mother's passing. This heartfelt middle grade novel takes place in rural Maine, in a campground that is filled with colorful characters from many backgrounds. Beautiful, descriptive writing propels the narrative from Sarah’s perspective, giving readers insight into Sarah's experience while providing a wealth of detail throughout the novel. The addition of loon facts, text messages, and journal entries from Sarah’s late mother enhance the depth of the story while showcasing the things that are most important in Sarah’s life. Though there is great sadness in Sarah's experience from the loss of her mother, her newly distant father, and a best friend who is traveling far away, Sarah is a resilient character who is complex and relatable. Shadows cast by Sarah’s grief lead to mistakes and miscommunications that are deeply felt by both Sarah and the reader, drawing tears in several instances, and leading to cathartic resolutions. Brief chapters and a compelling emotional premise make the book well suited to older middle grade readers with an interest in contemporary fiction. This is an excellent addition to library collections for young teen readers.
June 22, 2025
A cute summer coming-of-age story.
Nothing has been the same since Sarah's mother died six months ago, and things only seem to be getting worse. The Loons, her mother loved, are disappearing, and her home, a family campground, might be disappearing too. To top it all off, summer has begun, and her best friend is traveling states away for weeks. But when a Loon expert from a university arrives after Sarah's relentless emails, everything changes. But will it be good change or more bad change?
A sweet story of facing grief, healing and making friends. It is a beautiful combination of humanity and animal conservation that makes you fall in love with Sarah and the Loons on the lake.
While there is a little crush awkwardness here and there it is not the main focus of the story but a sweet resolution at the end.
One consistent element in the books is Juju-isms, small bits of Buddhist proverbs, which add a bit of goofy charm and an opportunity to talk about what Buddhism is as a religion.
Nothing has been the same since Sarah's mother died six months ago, and things only seem to be getting worse. The Loons, her mother loved, are disappearing, and her home, a family campground, might be disappearing too. To top it all off, summer has begun, and her best friend is traveling states away for weeks. But when a Loon expert from a university arrives after Sarah's relentless emails, everything changes. But will it be good change or more bad change?
A sweet story of facing grief, healing and making friends. It is a beautiful combination of humanity and animal conservation that makes you fall in love with Sarah and the Loons on the lake.
While there is a little crush awkwardness here and there it is not the main focus of the story but a sweet resolution at the end.
One consistent element in the books is Juju-isms, small bits of Buddhist proverbs, which add a bit of goofy charm and an opportunity to talk about what Buddhism is as a religion.
May 30, 2025
Set in a campground in Maine with the majestic mountains looming in the distance and the loons calling from the nearby lake, Loon Cove Summer is a heart-warming story about love and loss, sadness and hope, and of finding resiliency. But it's mostly about belonging, in family and in community. And finding your place in the world with those who surround you. With a unique cast of characters, a rich setting that evokes a love of nature, and plenty of adventure, Loon Cove Summer is a great read. I hope there's a sequel so I can spend more time at the campground, with the loons on the lake, at the Bird rehabilitation center, in the mountains, and with the characters whom I've grown to love.
August 24, 2025
Loon Cove Summer by Donna Galanti is a powerful middle-grade novel. So much pivotal insight here. Galanti takes a hurting, young teen and shows her—and the reader—how to live.
Sarah Richardson is our protagonist in this story journey. She and her father own a campground by a lake in rural Maine. But times are difficult, both financially and personally. Sarah loves nature, as I do. She wants to save the loons at her lake who are struggling to survive. And she needs to figure out how to move forward in life without her mother.
Loon Cove Summer is a story of grief, of courage, of letting go of our fears and moving on to live life to its fullest. Sarah learns important life lessons from her Uncle JuJu. So many important lines in this novel, but I’ll pick just one.
“Nothing is permanent,” JuJu tells Sarah. “If it were, nothing new would be possible.” [p-217, hardback ed.]
Galanti takes Sarah—and the reader—on the lake to see what’s happening to the loons. She takes us up the Appalachian Trail on Mt. Katahdin where danger strikes our young protagonist. And the author provides a satisfying closure to this perilous journey of maturity. Sad. Insightful. Funny. If you are looking for an exciting read for a young teen, you can’t do better than Loon Cove Summer by Donna Galanti.
Sarah Richardson is our protagonist in this story journey. She and her father own a campground by a lake in rural Maine. But times are difficult, both financially and personally. Sarah loves nature, as I do. She wants to save the loons at her lake who are struggling to survive. And she needs to figure out how to move forward in life without her mother.
Loon Cove Summer is a story of grief, of courage, of letting go of our fears and moving on to live life to its fullest. Sarah learns important life lessons from her Uncle JuJu. So many important lines in this novel, but I’ll pick just one.
“Nothing is permanent,” JuJu tells Sarah. “If it were, nothing new would be possible.” [p-217, hardback ed.]
Galanti takes Sarah—and the reader—on the lake to see what’s happening to the loons. She takes us up the Appalachian Trail on Mt. Katahdin where danger strikes our young protagonist. And the author provides a satisfying closure to this perilous journey of maturity. Sad. Insightful. Funny. If you are looking for an exciting read for a young teen, you can’t do better than Loon Cove Summer by Donna Galanti.
May 21, 2025
Are you looking for a new summer read? Look no further! This book is so good, full of heart and emotion. Plus conservation and environmental themes. You’ll learn so many Loon facts (a bird which before now I’ve never heard of). A truly fantastic read that is hard to put down.
October 20, 2025
Thirteen-year-old Sarah, her dad, and her uncle live at and own Loon Cove Campground on Lake Nikuwoss in Maine. Summer vacation has begun, and it’s their busiest season, but they need it to be even busier than normal if they are going to make it another summer. Sarah’s dad is gone a lot for his job, and they are both grieving. Sarah’s mom died recently, and neither of them knows the best way to navigate their feelings. Sarah escapes to the bird rehabilitation center, and her dad escapes to his job.
“Our silence could fill buckets, overflowing and dumped out each day to be filled up again the next.”
Sarah loves loons, especially Lewis and Lady, the resident loons that return every summer to the lake. But the other loons seem to be leaving, and there seems to be more loons ending up in the rehab center due to injury from humans, like fishing lines or boat injuries. Sarah has secretly been asking for help from the local university to save the loons, writing letters and emails.
When Sarah meets a new camper her age, her summer plans get a little more exciting. Theo and Sarah are both passionate about saving the loons, and Theo’s aunt is here to help. What she doesn’t expect is Theo’s aunt and her dad becoming close.
Sarah’s feelings around missing her mom, the loons needing help, the campground struggling to survive, and her dad’s dating all come to a head and cause Sarah to make a decision that could have lasting effects.
“Joy at feeling her still alive flooded through me then released in a dam of tears. She didn’t die one day. She died in bits and pieces every day.”
This middle-grade novel deals with real teen emotions of grief, struggling with being heard, new feelings around a boy, and missing her best friend. Mixed in with the fictional story of Sarah and her summer at the lake, readers will also learn facts about loons. Each chapter begins with a few loon facts that will then relate to the story.
There was a lot to love in this story. My heart ached for Sarah, struggling with the loss of her mom, her best friend moving away, her dad’s lack of communication, her worries about saving the campground, and her feelings about her dad possibly dating someone new. That’s a lot for a 13-year-old to take on, but Sarah seemed like a pretty independent and bright kid. Intermixed with Sarah’s story was the story of the loons that lived on the lake. Lady and Lewis were long-time residents of Lake Nikuwoss. When you learn that loons don’t breed until they are six or seven years old and also only have one chick every couple of years, you know how important it is to preserve the loons you have and keep the lake safe for any future loons.
Kids who like stories about characters struggling with real-life issues, or who also have a passion for birds or other animals, will love joining Sarah for a summer at her campground. Even though Sarah didn’t cross everything off of her Summer Dream Do List, she did gain new friends, a new appreciation for the loons on their lake, and she has a whole new dream to look forward to.
“Our silence could fill buckets, overflowing and dumped out each day to be filled up again the next.”
Sarah loves loons, especially Lewis and Lady, the resident loons that return every summer to the lake. But the other loons seem to be leaving, and there seems to be more loons ending up in the rehab center due to injury from humans, like fishing lines or boat injuries. Sarah has secretly been asking for help from the local university to save the loons, writing letters and emails.
When Sarah meets a new camper her age, her summer plans get a little more exciting. Theo and Sarah are both passionate about saving the loons, and Theo’s aunt is here to help. What she doesn’t expect is Theo’s aunt and her dad becoming close.
Sarah’s feelings around missing her mom, the loons needing help, the campground struggling to survive, and her dad’s dating all come to a head and cause Sarah to make a decision that could have lasting effects.
“Joy at feeling her still alive flooded through me then released in a dam of tears. She didn’t die one day. She died in bits and pieces every day.”
This middle-grade novel deals with real teen emotions of grief, struggling with being heard, new feelings around a boy, and missing her best friend. Mixed in with the fictional story of Sarah and her summer at the lake, readers will also learn facts about loons. Each chapter begins with a few loon facts that will then relate to the story.
There was a lot to love in this story. My heart ached for Sarah, struggling with the loss of her mom, her best friend moving away, her dad’s lack of communication, her worries about saving the campground, and her feelings about her dad possibly dating someone new. That’s a lot for a 13-year-old to take on, but Sarah seemed like a pretty independent and bright kid. Intermixed with Sarah’s story was the story of the loons that lived on the lake. Lady and Lewis were long-time residents of Lake Nikuwoss. When you learn that loons don’t breed until they are six or seven years old and also only have one chick every couple of years, you know how important it is to preserve the loons you have and keep the lake safe for any future loons.
Kids who like stories about characters struggling with real-life issues, or who also have a passion for birds or other animals, will love joining Sarah for a summer at her campground. Even though Sarah didn’t cross everything off of her Summer Dream Do List, she did gain new friends, a new appreciation for the loons on their lake, and she has a whole new dream to look forward to.
August 3, 2025
In Loon Cove Summer by Donna Galanti, Sarah Richardson, a young girl, is starting the summer holiday without her mother. After her mother's death, she had to live with her father, who was working far away, and with her uncle JuJu. Following the death of her mother and the departure of her best friend Gemmi, who traveled for the holiday, Sarah was left to spend the summer alone. But there was a problem. Living in the Maine lakeside campground, Sarah was concerned about the recent loss of loons at the lake. When she wrote to the university, a loon expert, Maggie, was sent to her. That was when Sarah's adventures started. Determined to keep the loons safe, Sarah goes on a journey to the Appalachian Trail in hope of restoring balance to the loon population and her life after her mother's death.
Opinion:
Loon Cove Summer is a middle grade book with themes such as coming-of-age, which comes from following Sarah's personal growth. In the book, she transitioned from being a grieving young girl to becoming a mature teenager. She took on some responsibilities like helping her uncle out on the campground and become friends with Maggie and her nephew Theo.
Another aspect that was clearly emphasized was the environmental stewardship. This part was clearly woven into the plot as sub-themes such as protecting the loons and the connection between nature and Sarah's emotional healing.
When it comes to the characters, I would like to focus on Sarah, who was the main character of the story. I see Sarah as a hardworking heroine, which is due to her struggle to save the loons from danger. I also admire her determination to help these creatures. Another thing I noticed was how she tried to be brave by thinking she could deal with her mother's death when in fact she felt fragile and sad. Sarah was torn apart by her mother's death and was overwhelmed with guilt. Lastly, Sarah was quite a stubborn character, and most times she struggled to let her thoughts and feelings out. However, these flaws shaped her and made her relatable to readers.
Finally, the book was written in a clear and descriptive way. I was able to picture the beautiful Maine lake with boats moving across it, and I could even picture the loons that were mentioned. The author made use of direct language (English) that readers, especially young ones, can understand. The chapters are not too long, and the dialogue, especially the phone conversations were realistic; I understood the conversations, and it felt like I was really there with them.
Another thing I appreciated about the book was how it had some educational elements, such as facts about loons and nature, which were listed out by Sarah in her book. Elements such as these were quite informative.
Overall, I would say the book was entertaining, educational, and was filled with emotions such as Sarah recalling memories of her mother. However, these emotions did not overpower the story. I would recommend this book to young readers from the ages of 8 to 12 years and to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction with a love for nature and emotional depth.
Opinion:
Loon Cove Summer is a middle grade book with themes such as coming-of-age, which comes from following Sarah's personal growth. In the book, she transitioned from being a grieving young girl to becoming a mature teenager. She took on some responsibilities like helping her uncle out on the campground and become friends with Maggie and her nephew Theo.
Another aspect that was clearly emphasized was the environmental stewardship. This part was clearly woven into the plot as sub-themes such as protecting the loons and the connection between nature and Sarah's emotional healing.
When it comes to the characters, I would like to focus on Sarah, who was the main character of the story. I see Sarah as a hardworking heroine, which is due to her struggle to save the loons from danger. I also admire her determination to help these creatures. Another thing I noticed was how she tried to be brave by thinking she could deal with her mother's death when in fact she felt fragile and sad. Sarah was torn apart by her mother's death and was overwhelmed with guilt. Lastly, Sarah was quite a stubborn character, and most times she struggled to let her thoughts and feelings out. However, these flaws shaped her and made her relatable to readers.
Finally, the book was written in a clear and descriptive way. I was able to picture the beautiful Maine lake with boats moving across it, and I could even picture the loons that were mentioned. The author made use of direct language (English) that readers, especially young ones, can understand. The chapters are not too long, and the dialogue, especially the phone conversations were realistic; I understood the conversations, and it felt like I was really there with them.
Another thing I appreciated about the book was how it had some educational elements, such as facts about loons and nature, which were listed out by Sarah in her book. Elements such as these were quite informative.
Overall, I would say the book was entertaining, educational, and was filled with emotions such as Sarah recalling memories of her mother. However, these emotions did not overpower the story. I would recommend this book to young readers from the ages of 8 to 12 years and to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction with a love for nature and emotional depth.
July 25, 2025
LOON COVE SUMMER is a gentle story about nature, grief, friendship, and hope. It features likeable main characters interacting against a colorful outdoor setting peopled with abundant wildlife and (mostly) congenial, quirky folks. Galanti's personal connection to the story is especially evident in her vivid, loving descriptions of Loon Cove, a fictional place patterned after the New England lakeside campground her family owned. Sarah's love for nature and her commitment to protecting it makes her an admirable heroine, while her loss makes her a sympathetic one. She's compassionate, hardworking, and kind. It's easy to want good things for her. As she faces challenges in the story, she learns valuable lessons about the importance of even one person to affect change, the power of supportive friendships, and the nature of hope in the face of overwhelming grief.
While there's a lot to love about LOON COVE SUMMER, I'm not sure it's the kind of book kids are going to gravitate toward. The pacing of the story is quite slow and its emphasis on nature and wildlife is going to bore some. I found it a little dull myself. Overall, I liked the book and I think it's an uplifting, empowering read. It's just not the most exciting read out there. A more focused, less predictable plot would have kept me more engaged. It took me longer than usual to read this one because it was just too easy to put down (and I have a longer attention span than readers in the book's target audience).
If I could, I would give LOON COVE SUMMER 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for scenes of peril
*I received a copy of LOON COVE SUMMER from the author in exchange for an honest review.
While there's a lot to love about LOON COVE SUMMER, I'm not sure it's the kind of book kids are going to gravitate toward. The pacing of the story is quite slow and its emphasis on nature and wildlife is going to bore some. I found it a little dull myself. Overall, I liked the book and I think it's an uplifting, empowering read. It's just not the most exciting read out there. A more focused, less predictable plot would have kept me more engaged. It took me longer than usual to read this one because it was just too easy to put down (and I have a longer attention span than readers in the book's target audience).
If I could, I would give LOON COVE SUMMER 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for scenes of peril
*I received a copy of LOON COVE SUMMER from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2025
Loss and healing are, unfortunately, part of life for many. Galanti touches on the loss of a parent (who was also a spouse), loss of a home, and loss of a limb in Loon Cove Summer. The story is well-written and it is apparent that she understands teens.
Sarah’s mom died in the past year. Her father, also in mourning, doesn’t seem to realize that Sarah needs him. Sarah’s Uncle JuJu lives with them, he is her mom’s brother so he is grieving as well. Together they run a campground that is not making enough money. Sarah is trying to save the campground in addition to the loons on the lake whose numbers are dwindling. I enjoyed the plot - it was a “can’t put it down” book.
One item for Christian school librarians to be aware of is the amount of Buddhist wisdom shared throughout the book. Christian school librarians will want to read the book themselves to determine if it is appropriate for their audience.
I received a complimentary copy of Loon Cove Summer. This is my honest review.
Sarah’s mom died in the past year. Her father, also in mourning, doesn’t seem to realize that Sarah needs him. Sarah’s Uncle JuJu lives with them, he is her mom’s brother so he is grieving as well. Together they run a campground that is not making enough money. Sarah is trying to save the campground in addition to the loons on the lake whose numbers are dwindling. I enjoyed the plot - it was a “can’t put it down” book.
One item for Christian school librarians to be aware of is the amount of Buddhist wisdom shared throughout the book. Christian school librarians will want to read the book themselves to determine if it is appropriate for their audience.
I received a complimentary copy of Loon Cove Summer. This is my honest review.
April 28, 2025
Passion.
This book proves that it's not an emotion solely possessed by adults.
Sarah has it in spades for our aviary friends, specifically loons.
This author does a wonderful job in imparting facts about these birds alongside dealing with the raw feelings Sarah is experiencing over the loss of a parent. While her mother may have gone, her voice is still heard thru journal entries. In the end, the author is gifted with seeing Sarah's mom thru the thoughts transcribed into paper.
The other bonus that the reader is given is through this author's use of description whether in sounds (bird calls, banjo tunes), smells (trash, JuJu's cooking), and sight (black flies), to name a few.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, BooksGoSocial, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#LoonCoveSummer #NetGalley
This book proves that it's not an emotion solely possessed by adults.
Sarah has it in spades for our aviary friends, specifically loons.
This author does a wonderful job in imparting facts about these birds alongside dealing with the raw feelings Sarah is experiencing over the loss of a parent. While her mother may have gone, her voice is still heard thru journal entries. In the end, the author is gifted with seeing Sarah's mom thru the thoughts transcribed into paper.
The other bonus that the reader is given is through this author's use of description whether in sounds (bird calls, banjo tunes), smells (trash, JuJu's cooking), and sight (black flies), to name a few.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, BooksGoSocial, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#LoonCoveSummer #NetGalley
April 13, 2025
What a wonderful story! Feisty, funny thirteen-year-old Sarah Richardson is our guide into a heartwarming summer of adventure, new love, and the challenge of protecting endangered loons. The Maine campsite where she lives with her father and uncle is rich with animals and nature and colorful characters, all who help Sarah navigate the pain of having recently lost her mother. Lyrical and precisely observed, Loon Cove Summer is truly a book of wonder. I found myself tearing up, and a few moments later, laughing. Donna Galanti writes with emotional honesty and imaginative vision—the kind that helps us see the world with new eyes and that reminds us of how miraculous it is to be thirteen and on the verge of… absolutely everything.
April 17, 2025
When Sarah's mother passed away, it was hard for Sarah, her father and uncle to start living again. They owned a campground on Loon Lake, and there are decisions to make on what is going to happen. The story takes us on their journey of grieving, doing the things that have to be done, and learning, to let others into their life. It is the time that brings them closer together. They begin to see the memories in a comforting way, and sometimes it felt the memories were helping to guide them. As summer progresses they start to make some decisions, see things a little clearer, and their journey starts to move forward, with hope, and growth, in that they want to work on fixing the campground and thinking about their future.
I received an ARC from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley.
I received an ARC from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley.
May 5, 2025
This is a touching story about a young teen her friends and family during a particularly difficult time. She becomes very interested in learning about and saving the loons that visit her family's lakeside campground in Maine and in the process of that pursuit, she finds love, hope and healing amidst her grief with the help of a hiking journal of her mother's.
There is a quirky cast of characters like Buddha JuJu who imparts words of wisdom, a loon expert, a homeschooled 13 year old girl intent on getting a summer kiss and a boy who is also working through loss. The author's love of loons and nature shines through.
Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read it in exchange for my honest thoughts.
There is a quirky cast of characters like Buddha JuJu who imparts words of wisdom, a loon expert, a homeschooled 13 year old girl intent on getting a summer kiss and a boy who is also working through loss. The author's love of loons and nature shines through.
Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read it in exchange for my honest thoughts.
June 4, 2025
Grieving the loss of her mother, young teenager Sarah is trying to get her family life back on track. An unexpected light at the end of the tunnel appears in the form of her involvement in a local initiative that works to rehabilitate birds, and the friends she makes there.
But soon, Sarah finds that even this space the she has created for herself is under threat. Can she find the way to protects the birds and her own hard-won peace?
An insightful story about grief, change and growing into oneself.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But soon, Sarah finds that even this space the she has created for herself is under threat. Can she find the way to protects the birds and her own hard-won peace?
An insightful story about grief, change and growing into oneself.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 26, 2025
This charming novel follows 13-year old Sarah as she tries to reconcile her mother’s death and other changes in her life including a potential first kiss and the threat of losing her home at the camp ground she loves. The story is set in the wilds of Maine and will especially appeal to those interested in nature. Highly recommended!!!
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October 30, 2025Loon Cove Summer is a beautifully written adventure full of heart, courage, and healing. Donna Galanti captures the magic of nature and friendship perfectly, a story that stays with you long after the last page. Truly unforgettable! 🌿💚
October 30, 2025
Loon Cove Summer is a beautifully written adventure full of heart, courage, and healing. Donna Galanti captures the magic of nature and friendship perfectly, a story that stays with you long after the last page. Truly unforgettable! 🌿💚
May 13, 2025
Thirteen-year-old Sarah Richardson lives with her dad and uncle at the campground her dad bought back when her mom was alive. It’s not easy running the campground, but Sarah helps out wherever she can, emptying the trash at the sites and cleaning the cabins for the next campers. Unfortunately, money is tight and her dad has to work elsewhere to make extra money. This leaves Sarah and Uncle JuJu to work the store and do what needs to be done during the week. When she finds out her best friend is going away for the first half of the summer and won’t be at the campground having adventures with her, Sarah is upset. They make lists of goals to achieve before they see each other again. Sarah is hoping to save a loon and secretly wants to finish the last part of her mom's trek along the Appalachian Trail, the part she never got to complete. Loons were something she and her mom had in common, and Sarah hasn’t been out on the lake since her mom died six months ago. How can she help the loons if she can't go on the water? There's a glimmer of hope once Maggie, a loon specialist, comes to help study the loons on the lake and why they are disappearing. Sarah is excited to be learning from someone who shares her same passion. Even better- Maggie’s nephew, Theo, is there too. He and Sarah are the same age, and he's on a mission to take pictures of things that are disappearing, like the loons. When Sarah’s dad starts to spend time with Maggie, it stirs up emotions in Sarah. Isn't Maggie Sarah's friend? Why is her dad suddenly interested in the loons? Will Sarah’s family be able to keep the campground? Will she have the nerve to finish the hike? You’ll have to read this to heartfelt journey to find out.
I've read many books by Donna Galanti, and I was excited to get a copy of her latest book, Loon Cove Summer. Sarah and I share a love for nature and the outdoors, and I also know how hard being separated from friends can be. I loved the camping community and all the people who brighten Sarah’s world. I could easily imagine the beautiful setting and going out boating on the lake. Sarah’s new friend, Theo, is passionate about photography, which I thought was really cool. The book is filled with interesting information about loons, and I learned so much along the way! Sarah had sad things happen in her life, and seeing how she tries to heal was emotional for sure! I had the tissues ready, and I needed them. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in animals or who wants to help make their environment a better and safer place. It's a great book for readers in fourth grade and up who like stories about friendship, families and the outdoors.
I've read many books by Donna Galanti, and I was excited to get a copy of her latest book, Loon Cove Summer. Sarah and I share a love for nature and the outdoors, and I also know how hard being separated from friends can be. I loved the camping community and all the people who brighten Sarah’s world. I could easily imagine the beautiful setting and going out boating on the lake. Sarah’s new friend, Theo, is passionate about photography, which I thought was really cool. The book is filled with interesting information about loons, and I learned so much along the way! Sarah had sad things happen in her life, and seeing how she tries to heal was emotional for sure! I had the tissues ready, and I needed them. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in animals or who wants to help make their environment a better and safer place. It's a great book for readers in fourth grade and up who like stories about friendship, families and the outdoors.
June 1, 2025
I really wanted to love this. The main character, Sarah, is dealing with the death of her mother, the potential sale of the campground her family owns and runs and where they live, and is worried about the health of the loons on her lake. There are some lovely parts of this book: Sarah's love of the loons and activism around them; a new friendship with a boy staying at the campground, Theo; the relationship between Sarah and her uncle, and then later her father. But I just felt like there was way too much going on. It seems like every chapter, Sarah has a new challenge or a new goal - sometimes due to her making and sometimes due to circumstances. This book would have been better if the author had just focused on one or two of those plot points. Things felt scattered and as a reader I struggled to like Sarah - I sometimes just wanted to shake her.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
May 12, 2025
I really enjoyed Loon Cove Summer's focus on nature and Sarah's desire to bring a loon expert to her lake and research why the loon's were disappearing. The story shows what the determination and perseverance of one person can do.
Having the story centered at a campground was also a real highlight for me as it's one of my favorite pastimes over the summer. There's something about being outside in the woods, near a lake that is comforting, and bringing Donna's book along for a re-read would be perfect.
Sarah makes for a lovely main character, she's so full of emotions the nervousness and excitement of meeting Maggie, the new to her, warm cozy feelings she feels with Theo. Even her jealousy when her dad begins to show an interest in Maggie. The kind of big feelings that a reader can easily relate to. Sarah is so sweet and sparks this instant connection with Theo and Maggie, a connection that she isn't ready to share with her dad.
There's the difficult topics of the death of a mother and possible moving away from a place that you love, but it is written from a place of great sensitivity. I love how Sarah is given time to process her feelings about her mom's death and to come to terms with all the changes happening around her. How she is able to use her mom's trail journal not only to read about her mom's experiences but also to write back to her to express her own thoughts.
This is a beautiful, feel good, heartwarming story that I enjoyed reading immensely. The idea of being "custodians" for the loons really resonated with me. It makes me want to read more adventure stories and books about environmental activism and reminded me a lot of Terry Lynn Johnson's books, like Rescue at Lake Wild. The after thoughts from Donna were much appreciated and I especially loved how she explained why she chose to write a contemporary book and talked about her shared lived experience. I highly recommend Loon Cove Summer to readers interested in animal activism, or any animal/nature enthusiast.
**A huge thank you to Donna Galanti for providing me with a review copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. ***
Having the story centered at a campground was also a real highlight for me as it's one of my favorite pastimes over the summer. There's something about being outside in the woods, near a lake that is comforting, and bringing Donna's book along for a re-read would be perfect.
Sarah makes for a lovely main character, she's so full of emotions the nervousness and excitement of meeting Maggie, the new to her, warm cozy feelings she feels with Theo. Even her jealousy when her dad begins to show an interest in Maggie. The kind of big feelings that a reader can easily relate to. Sarah is so sweet and sparks this instant connection with Theo and Maggie, a connection that she isn't ready to share with her dad.
There's the difficult topics of the death of a mother and possible moving away from a place that you love, but it is written from a place of great sensitivity. I love how Sarah is given time to process her feelings about her mom's death and to come to terms with all the changes happening around her. How she is able to use her mom's trail journal not only to read about her mom's experiences but also to write back to her to express her own thoughts.
This is a beautiful, feel good, heartwarming story that I enjoyed reading immensely. The idea of being "custodians" for the loons really resonated with me. It makes me want to read more adventure stories and books about environmental activism and reminded me a lot of Terry Lynn Johnson's books, like Rescue at Lake Wild. The after thoughts from Donna were much appreciated and I especially loved how she explained why she chose to write a contemporary book and talked about her shared lived experience. I highly recommend Loon Cove Summer to readers interested in animal activism, or any animal/nature enthusiast.
**A huge thank you to Donna Galanti for providing me with a review copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. ***
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