46 pages • 1 hour read
The Line Tender
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • 1990s
2019
Middle grade
10-14 years
710L
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
5,273 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
5,273 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • 1990s
2019
Middle grade
10-14 years
710L
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