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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

Character List

Lucy Everhart

A 12-year-old girl with red hair and freckles living in Rockport, Massachusetts, who grapples with her mother’s past work as a shark biologist and her own artistic inclinations.

Lucy’s best friend and neighbor, known for his love of science and jazz music, who frequently uses his inhaler due to asthma.

Lucy’s father, a scuba diver, detective, and photographer, who initially struggles with grief following his wife's death.

A shark biologist and Lucy’s mother, whose adventurous and fearless nature is remembered through her research and impact on Lucy’s life.

A Rockport fisherman and high school friend of Helen and Tom, who becomes more involved with Lucy and Tom’s lives throughout the story.

Lucy and Tom’s elderly neighbor, viewed as a mentor figure and close friend to the Everhart family.

Helen’s former mentor, living in Maine, who shares stories and photographs of her with Lucy.

Fred’s older sister with artistic flair, who supports Lucy as she navigates the challenges of adolescence.

Fred and Fiona’s mother, who has faced her own struggles while raising her children alone.

A biologist who worked with Helen and continues her research, inspiring Lucy’s scientific curiosity.

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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