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44 pages 1 hour read

Last Days of Summer

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Steve Kluger

Last Days of Summer

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

353

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brooklyn, New York • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

900L

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Super Short Summary

Last Days of Summer, an epistolary novel by Steve Kluger, follows Joey Margolis, a witty, resourceful Jewish boy in 1940s Brooklyn, navigating challenges after his parents' divorce. Joey forms an unexpected bond with Charlie Banks, a New York Giants third baseman, who becomes his mentor and father figure, helping him through life's trials and becoming part of Joey's family. Intimate letters, school reports, clippings, and baseball scorecards narrate Joey's journey of growth, love, and resilience. The book contains depictions of bullying based on religious identity.

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Humorous

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.5

5,787 ratings

86%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger is a poignant and humorous epistolary novel praised for its engaging characters and clever storytelling. Reviewers appreciate the blend of historical context with personal growth, although some found the letter format occasionally disrupts the narrative flow. Overall, it offers a compelling reflection on friendship and resilience in difficult times.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Last Days of Summer?

Readers who enjoy Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger are likely fans of poignant, humorous historical novels with strong character development. Ideal for enthusiasts of A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, who seek heartfelt stories blending both comedy and pathos.

4.5

5,787 ratings

86%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Joey Margolis

A bright and witty 12-year-old Jewish boy living in a predominantly Gentile area of Brooklyn, who writes letters to a New York Giants baseball player to combat bullying and develop an unexpected friendship.

A record-breaking third baseman for the New York Giants, originally from Wisconsin, who becomes an unlikely mentor and father figure to Joey after learning about his struggles with local bullies.

A talented torch singer who marries Charlie Banks and plays a supportive role in Joey's life by involving him in her musical performances.

Joey’s mother, portrayed as a witty and decent person, raising Joey alongside her sister after her husband leaves her.

Joey’s affectionate and devoted aunt, who lives with him and his mother, and recognizes the importance of Charlie Banks in Joey's life.

Joey’s childhood psychologist who becomes a supportive figure for Joey as he negotiates his feelings about his neighborhood bully.

The rabbi overseeing Joey’s bar mitzvah who eventually finds common ground with Charlie Banks despite their differing backgrounds.

Joey’s absent father, whose departure leads to Joey’s relocation and contributes to the strengthened bond between Joey and Charlie Banks.

Charlie's Japanese-American neighbor and friend, who faces challenges due to racial discrimination and eventually becomes a civil rights lawyer.

The first baseman for the New York Giants who is Charlie’s best friend and later becomes a Philosophy professor.

Joey’s classmate and love interest, who he eventually marries and with whom he starts a family.

Book Details
Pages

353

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brooklyn, New York • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

900L

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