Patchwork Summer

by Kristi Holl

When her mother suddenly returns home a year after having walked out on her family, thirteen-year-old Randi tries hard to conquer her own anger and feelings of being permanently scarred by the experience.

115 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 1987

About the author

Kristi Holl is a best-selling award-winning author of dozens of middle-grade novels. With additional background as an elementary school educator and instructor of writing for children, Kristi's books are on many recommended reading lists and have been nominated for numerous Children's Choice Awards. Kristi has three grown daughters and lives in Texas.

Reviews

[Wordup Carter]

Teenage struggles. (lol) Going through similar events in my life, I found it easy to accept the main character's headstrong personality. As I followed choices with her in the story, I was able to explore my own vision of life. I may not have realized it at the time, but I admired how the subtle symbolism made sense to me. I began to understand how to put pieces together in my own life when I indulged in this tale. Being a teenager myself when I read this, I know now that it was narratives like these that matured me beyond my years. Remembering the events in my own life at the time and being able to compare them the ways with the author's progress helped me to understand how to deal with things you really can't do much about at a young age.

[Alivia Cavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this for young teens who have had to grow up too soon. Discusses anxiety and complicated feelings in a way that validates kids who struggle with the same emotions. Really helped me as a kid and was one of my favorite books at 11-12 years old!

[Dua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually think this is a book not many people woldread but it is actually a really good planned out story.