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46 pages 1 hour read

The Line Tender

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Kate Allen

The Line Tender

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Massachusetts • 1990s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

710L

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Super Short Summary

The Line Tender by Kate Allen is a coming-of-age novel set in a coastal town in Massachusetts. It follows 12-year-old Lucy Everhart as she navigates grief after losing her mother and best friend. Lucy finds solace in her mother's shark research and, supported by her community, she becomes deeply invested in marine biology, working to complete a field guide they started for school. The novel addresses grief, loss, and healing.

Melancholic

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.5

5,273 ratings

83%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Line Tender by Kate Allen is a touching coming-of-age novel praised for its emotional depth, engaging narrative, and well-rounded characters. While some reviewers felt the pacing was occasionally slow, the book's poignant exploration of grief and resilience, coupled with its strong sense of place, makes it a compelling read for young adults and beyond.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Line Tender?

Readers who revel in emotional, character-driven narratives with themes of grief, healing, and the complexities of adolescence will enjoy The Line Tender by Kate Allen. Fans of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt will find similar comfort and resonance in its poignant storytelling.

4.5

5,273 ratings

83%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Massachusetts • 1990s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

710L

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