Plot Summary

A Summer to Die

Lois Lowry
Guide cover placeholder

A Summer to Die

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1977

Book Brief

Lois Lowry

A Summer to Die

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1977
Book Details
Pages

194

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Rural Massachusetts • 1970s

Theme
Publication Year

1977

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

Lexile Level

800L

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Super Short Summary

In A Summer to Die by Lois Lowry, 13-year-old Meg Chalmers narrates her bittersweet coming-of-age story as she grapples with envy, ambition, and eventually profound grief over her older sister Molly's devastating leukemia diagnosis.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

9,162 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Lois Lowry's A Summer to Die receives praise for its poignant exploration of sibling relationships and the process of coping with loss. The author's sensitive handling of grief and coming-of-age themes resonates with many readers. However, some critics find the pacing slow and certain character developments lacking. Overall, it’s an emotionally compelling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Summer to Die?

Readers who appreciate heartfelt stories about family, loss, and growth will enjoy A Summer to Die by Lois Lowry. Comparable to Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons and Katherine Paterson's Bridge to Terabithia, it appeals to those who value emotional depth and the exploration of profound themes in a poignant narrative.

4.4

9,162 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

194

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Rural Massachusetts • 1970s

Theme
Publication Year

1977

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

Lexile Level

800L

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