Summer Lifeguards

Summer Lifeguards #1

by Elizabeth Doyle Carey, Judit Mallol (Illustrator)

Perfect summer reading for every middle schooler―pick up the first in the Summer Lifeguards series featuring four best friends and wholesome beach fun.

It's been a busy summer on Cape Cod for four best friends, Jenna, Selena, Piper, and Ziggy. They can't wait to become summer lifeguards like the teens they see patrolling the beaches. But will the girls be able to provide the lifeguards the help they need when a hurricane threatens to strike?

As the storm approaches Cape Cod, the friends face several challenges. Jenna was going to compete in the regional swim meet, but will it still take place? Selena tries a self-beauty treatment with unflattering results. Ziggy's mom will not take the hurricane seriously and refuses to evacuate. And Pippa finds herself with an unexpected visitor.

Genres: Middle Grade

224 pages, Hardcover

Published May 4, 2021

About the author

Liz Carey is the author of 43 published books for young readers. She was also the Publisher and co-founder of Dunemere Books, a boutique publisher of travel fiction; a former children's book editor (Golden Books, Workman, Planet Dexter) and bookseller (The Harvard Bookstore in Cambridge, MA). Liz lives on Long Island with her husband, three sons, a high-maintenance cat named Yankee and a chunky Pug named Noolah. Please visit www.elizabethdoylecarey.com.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a middle grade book, and this is the first book in the Summer Lifeguards series. This book has one book with an autistic character, but that character is not a big character. I do feel this book shows how other kids sees an autistic kid. This book is mostly about a young girl that loves to swim help her town/family get through a hurricane. I think this is a cute book that young girls will enjoy. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Sourcebooks Young Readers) or author (Elizabeth Doyle Carey) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. (*)

[Hallie Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many interesting parts in this book and some a little bit boring parts, but overall the book was 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[yeahlydia__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing start to the series! There was plot buildup, perspectives of girls from different backgrounds, and amazing character development. At the end of the book, all the characters shared what really mattered to them as individuals while they were all excited about someday becoming lifeguards. Even though this is a middle-grade, there are still discussions about politics and serious issues addressed in the book, which was enjoyably challenging for me. No book has ever done that for me before.

There were even major differences in the characters that I observed. Each had a different personality and different motives, and yet were able to stay true to themselves and learn important life lessons along the way.

Would recommend for ages 11+, a very enjoyable and thought-provoking read! It may seem short at a glance, but does not disappoint. If I could rate it more than five stars, I would. Definitely continuing the series.

This review was written by a 14 year old. All opinions are my own.

[papilionna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great middle grade! The cast is diverse, also having side characters with autism and learning difficulties, and although I liked some of the girls more than others, all of them are well-rounded and lovable. Will definitely continue the series :)

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute first book setting the scene. I am especially partial to the lifeguarding slant that will be coming up more. I love seeing four supportive BFFs, four different types of families represented (plus more), a community bent on helping one another, and a glimpse on how perspective colors our interpretations.

[Carrie Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, fun and wholesome read about a diverse group of girls (including one on the autism spectrum, handled deftly by the author) in Cape Cod. I appreciated how the characters were well drawn and there were no clichés or stereotypes. I think middle grade girls will adore this book!

[Vienna Zaleski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved how you get 4 different POV's in every chapter.thank you, Charlotte's Booknook, for the recommendation!😍😍😍

[Kaitlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING! I don't know what made it so good but all I know is I loved it. The characters were fun and I liked the whole idea of it. I am super excited for the next ones.

[Felicia Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute book for middle grade readers. Its definitely something I would have really enjoyed at that age and found cute even now. This was a very light and easy read.
One thing I did like that one of the characters had autism spectrum disorder. They weren't a main character or anything but the book does give the reader a chance to see how some people view autism.
I think overall this is a cute book for middle grade readers. I think this will be really popular come summer and I am curious to see how the rest of the series goes.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early review copy.

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for fun middle grade novels, but I enjoy them even more when they are about topics that I am interested in. This one had a lot to do with hurricanes and, being the weird strange weather loving person I am, I really enjoyed the reading experience.
We're following a group of four friends. One is a swimmer, one is trying to become a social media influencer, one works with horses, and one... exists and is super sweet. This actually was an opener to the series, as it sparks their interest in becoming lifeguards but none of them actually get into it. We had some good conversations on what it means to be family, not judging people based on their actions, and always being there when needed.
We also got a look at tourism from the kids perspective, as every summer their town becomes a hot spot for tourists and they have to cater to their needs. They also have rich summer families popping up and living in their mansions for a few weeks. It was interesting getting to experience that in here.
As far as the books go physically, they are stunning. I have the first two and the covers are a mixture of matte-ish material with some glossy spots on the water and it's so pretty.
I cannot wait to continue in this series.

[Gracie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was cute! such a good summer read for early middle grade readers, perfect for fans of the babysitters club and raina telgemeier. 😎🌞🌊

I’m a sucker for books set on the east coast (cape cod... swoon), and this one delivered!

I like how the four girls cover a wide array of backgrounds... there’s a character for every reader to relate to!

my only critiques: this book is pretty one dimensional and surface level — like every character or conversation was exactly what it seemed with nothing lurking underneath. I had to keep reminding myself that I’m wayyyy over the target age range lol. and everyone sounded the same, like the author didn’t even try to make the adult characters not sound like seventh grade girls.

thanks to netgalley and sourcebooks for young readers for a digital review copy in exchange for my thoughts!

[Genevieve · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay it dragged in places and I think because of that and the four different view points and it being the first in the series I kept getting the characters mixed up. I did like the story line and the way everyone came together for a hurricane. I will probably try another one in the series and see if it is better. I guess I was thinking from the title that the characters were actual lifeguards but no. I think looking at the preview of the next book they become them after this one.

[Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is pretty good

[Eileen Winfrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great “beach read” for middle graders.Four friends prepare for and weather a hurricane in their hometown of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Reminds me of the Babysitters Club, in a good way.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting:5
Characters 4
Plot 4
Writing 4
Entertainment 4
Execution 4
Overall: 3.5

[Claire Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how each chapter switched perspectives

[Zoe Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a great book because:the first about 190 something pages was talking about this 1 thing then the last 20-30 pages was ALL action!!!!!!!!

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in a day, love it!

[Riley S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow book took me a while to get into the rest of the books in the series are alot better

[neeya (FREE PALESTINE) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book but an easy read I would recommend for 10-12 year olds

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took place during back to school and centered around an approaching hurricane. Not enough summer (if any) and not enough lifeguards. A little bit preachy about the environment.

[nym]

Also had to return to the library, and didn't feel enticed to renew or check out again; most got it as a palette cleanser/light-hearted read.