A review by couillac
The Great Good Summer by Liz Garton Scanlon

3.0

A sweet story about faith and family and friendship. It feels like a lot of middle grade fiction with its folksy tone and spunky young protagonist, but what sets this book apart is its emphasis on faith and spirituality. This is a religious family trying to work through difficult times, and the way in which faith both helps and hinders different characters, including the fully-realized adults, is refreshingly different and thought-provoking. Even readers who don't come from a religious background will find this to be an accessible exploration of the things that get us through tough times and both the strengths and limitations of religion. It's surprisingly upbeat and charming, and offers plenty of depth for intelligent young fans of realistic stories.