The Summer of the Pike (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781571316714)

A stunning story of summertime and loss from German author Jutta Richter.

Anna, Daniel, and Lucas seem to be living a dream. While their parents take care of a castle, they have the run of the grounds, along with the beautiful countryside that surrounds it. When school lets out, their biggest concern is how to catch the mysterious pike that patrols the dark waters of the moat.

But just as their summer begins, Daniel and Lucas's mother is taken ill, spending nearly all her time in bed. Anna learns that their mother has cancer, and that Daniel and Lucas have not yet been told. Set adrift on the endless summer days, Anna tries to believe her mother's promise that it will all be better soon. And as those days gradually shorten and the colors of the fields and flowers change, Daniel becomes convinced that catching the pike will bring luck--that it might even cure his mother. When her condition worsens, these three friends must come together and find courage to face the future.

Author: Jutta Richter
ISBN-10: 157131671X
ISBN-13: 9781571316714
Publisher: Milkweed Editions
Language: English
Published: 10/25/2006
Pages: 132
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.47lbs
Size: 7.82h x 5.86w x 0.56d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.5
Point Value: 3
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 126674 / Summer of the Pike


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Review - Children 10/15/2006 pg. 1078
School Library Journal 12/01/2006 pg. 152
Publishers Weekly 12/11/2006 pg. 70
Booklist 01/01/2007 pg. 104
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2007 pg. 81 - Recommended, Satisfactory