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The Summer of June
From the acclaimed author of Tune It Out and Roll with It comes an inspirational and engaging middle grade book about a young girl who sets out to overcome her anxiety over the course of one life-changing summer.
Twelve-year-old June Delancey is kicking summer off with a bang. She shaves her head and sets two goals: she will beat her anxiety and be the lion she knows she can be, instead of the mouse everyone sees. And she and her single mama will own their power as fierce, independent females.
With the help of Homer Juarez, the poetry-citing soccer star who believes in June even when she doesn’t believe in herself, she starts a secret library garden and hatches a plan to make her dreams come true. But when her anxiety becomes too much, everything begins to fall apart. It’s going to take more than a haircut and some flowers to set things right. It’s going to take courage and friends and watermelon pie. Forget second chances. This is the summer of new beginnings.
Twelve-year-old June Delancey is kicking summer off with a bang. She shaves her head and sets two goals: she will beat her anxiety and be the lion she knows she can be, instead of the mouse everyone sees. And she and her single mama will own their power as fierce, independent females.
With the help of Homer Juarez, the poetry-citing soccer star who believes in June even when she doesn’t believe in herself, she starts a secret library garden and hatches a plan to make her dreams come true. But when her anxiety becomes too much, everything begins to fall apart. It’s going to take more than a haircut and some flowers to set things right. It’s going to take courage and friends and watermelon pie. Forget second chances. This is the summer of new beginnings.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2022
38 people are currently reading
3491 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Sumner
23 books344 followersJamie Sumner is the author of the critically-acclaimed middle-grade novels, Roll with It, Tune It Out, and One Kid's Trash. Her forth middle-grade novel The Summer of June hits shelves on May 31st, 2022 with Atheneum Books for Young Readers. She is also the author of the nonfiction parenting books, Eat, Sleep, Save the World and Unbound.
She has also written for the New York Times and the Washington Post as well as other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Connect with her at Jamie-Sumner.com
She has also written for the New York Times and the Washington Post as well as other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Connect with her at Jamie-Sumner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
May 25, 2022
This is a book that I am going to be recommending to my library friends all summer long. Love that yellow cover with the Black-eyed Susans and that lion of a girl? The book inside is all of that and more. June and her mother work with a therapist to help June manage her anxiety. To keep herself from pulling out her hair, June cuts it all off. Her mom does the same for Team June. Will that drastic change help June to conquer her anxiety by the end of the summer? Maybe an electric blue wig will be the gamechanger? Then there is that boy named Homer who quotes poetry to her and wants to learn to play chess. This book is truly a delight and it is clear that Jamie Sumner knows exactly what it is like to have anxious thought patterns that make a kid or adult feel trapped. Filled with super book recommendations, yummy baked goods, and beautiful flowers; this is a must read for your summer.
Thank you to Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2022
The writing is good, the plot is interesting, the characters are realistic.
However, I just couldn’t connect more with the main character or the writing I wanted to. I feel the representation is done well when it comes to anxiety. But I feel I need more than that.
Definitely a good short book.
However, I just couldn’t connect more with the main character or the writing I wanted to. I feel the representation is done well when it comes to anxiety. But I feel I need more than that.
Definitely a good short book.
July 31, 2022
So full of such heart and love. Tiny Craig and I loved it and are now craving watermelon pie!
March 24, 2022
Won 🏆 this via goodreads giveaways. All my opinions are my own.
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Me now and my younger self feel seen by this book 📖. While I'm glad these books are out now and will help people, I can't help wishing for something like this when I was growing up. I would have felt better about myself and understood more..and maybe gotten help sooner.
Thank you author and publisher for bringing this into the world 🌎. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜❤️
I didn't have the same experiences as the main character but so many things rang true for me and pinpointed exactly how I felt but couldn't put into words why I felt that way.
I was always told don't worry/calm down/don't take this personally and the like.. part of me wondered if I was broken in some way.
My sister-in-everything-but blood told me that she knew something was going on with me when I was younger but she didn't have the words for it till she was older herself validated it more for me.
Same as when I discovered I was aromatic asexual, knowing that "anxiety" was what was going on with me was a relief in a way and so many pieces fell into place...particularly with one thing that happened when I was younger.
If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self and my parents....
I wanted to hug June for many different reasons over the course of this and I was so proud how she grew over the course of the story.
This book should definitely be in every home/library/school library.
Side note: I want to try her mom's food, it all sounded so yummy 😋 😍
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Me now and my younger self feel seen by this book 📖. While I'm glad these books are out now and will help people, I can't help wishing for something like this when I was growing up. I would have felt better about myself and understood more..and maybe gotten help sooner.
Thank you author and publisher for bringing this into the world 🌎. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜❤️
I didn't have the same experiences as the main character but so many things rang true for me and pinpointed exactly how I felt but couldn't put into words why I felt that way.
I was always told don't worry/calm down/don't take this personally and the like.. part of me wondered if I was broken in some way.
My sister-in-everything-but blood told me that she knew something was going on with me when I was younger but she didn't have the words for it till she was older herself validated it more for me.
Same as when I discovered I was aromatic asexual, knowing that "anxiety" was what was going on with me was a relief in a way and so many pieces fell into place...particularly with one thing that happened when I was younger.
If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self and my parents....
I wanted to hug June for many different reasons over the course of this and I was so proud how she grew over the course of the story.
This book should definitely be in every home/library/school library.
Side note: I want to try her mom's food, it all sounded so yummy 😋 😍
January 26, 2022
This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. Maybe it’s because I can really relate to it. Anxiety is a fickle monster rearing it’s head when you least expect it and beg it not to. It’s always at the worst times.
June’s story is one of the most important stories I’ve read for middle grade students (and adults) ever. It encompasses anxiety like someone who truly understands and that is something hard to accept if you don’t know it personally.
With that, June is starting the summer with the goal of conquering her anxiety and being “a Lion”. Unexpectedly and invited a new person inserts himself into her life and she constantly worries about this too. However, every time she makes a step forward she feels like she goes backward too. She is determined to make hers and her moms dreams come true this summer, but to do this, she has to let people that care in and learn to calm her anxiety.
This book is incredible. It’s powerful. It’s raw. It’s truthful. I feel like Jamie Sumner is writing to me in this story. It needs to be loved and shared. It needs to be in all libraries and speaking of, that’s another similarity as I’m a school librarian. Thank you Jamie for sharing this book with me and with #BookPosse. It has truly changed my life.
June’s story is one of the most important stories I’ve read for middle grade students (and adults) ever. It encompasses anxiety like someone who truly understands and that is something hard to accept if you don’t know it personally.
With that, June is starting the summer with the goal of conquering her anxiety and being “a Lion”. Unexpectedly and invited a new person inserts himself into her life and she constantly worries about this too. However, every time she makes a step forward she feels like she goes backward too. She is determined to make hers and her moms dreams come true this summer, but to do this, she has to let people that care in and learn to calm her anxiety.
This book is incredible. It’s powerful. It’s raw. It’s truthful. I feel like Jamie Sumner is writing to me in this story. It needs to be loved and shared. It needs to be in all libraries and speaking of, that’s another similarity as I’m a school librarian. Thank you Jamie for sharing this book with me and with #BookPosse. It has truly changed my life.
Want to read
December 13, 2021this cover is so bright and gorgeous! i'm super excited to read a middle grade tackling anxiety. and a secret library garden?! oooooh yes.
June 1, 2022
June decides to shave her head as a way to help cope with her severe anxiety. The daughter of a single mother who always seems to have a revolving door of not great boyfriends, June has developed a habit of pulling out her hair (a condition called trichotillomania or ‘trich’). It’s gotten so bad she even makes herself bleed.
Sick of being the weird kid, June wants a new start for her and her mom and finds solace with a new friend and the garden she starts outside the library where her mom works.
Full of AMAZING mental health rep, a beautiful mother-daughter relationship and book and plant loving friends. I sped through this book and HIGHLY recommend it, especially for fans of Fight + flight by Jules Machias or Quack by Anna Humphrey.
Sick of being the weird kid, June wants a new start for her and her mom and finds solace with a new friend and the garden she starts outside the library where her mom works.
Full of AMAZING mental health rep, a beautiful mother-daughter relationship and book and plant loving friends. I sped through this book and HIGHLY recommend it, especially for fans of Fight + flight by Jules Machias or Quack by Anna Humphrey.
July 11, 2022
What a wonderful book. I was June so this book really spoke to me....and to be honest, triggered me too. But important for all those anxious, whatifs out there it's important to know you're not alone.
August 1, 2022
Jamie Sumner has created such an important and necessary book for middle graders that addresses anxiety with kids. Anxiety is hard for kids to understand and June is determined to beat her anxiety over the summer. Full of love, full of hope, and a message that you are not alone if you experience anxiety.
August 14, 2022
This was a great book for upper elementary/middle school kids. Junie has severe anxiety which affects everything about her. This summer before middle school she is determined to overcome it. Fun story with lovable, supportive characters and a library setting.
August 30, 2024
Yes, yes, another middle grade book. I’m a sucker for them, what can I say?? But this one especially— I saw it at the bookstore & the cover +title were sooo similar to my own story I (never finished writing) that I had to pick it up.
& it was so cute!! A few years ago, I would have been obsessed. This book is SO elementary/middle school me, & I am here. for. it.
& it was so cute!! A few years ago, I would have been obsessed. This book is SO elementary/middle school me, & I am here. for. it.
July 10, 2023
The Summer of June celebrates community, therapy, safe people, the love of a mother, and the healing power of nature. My heart is so touched by this precious book 💛
May 30, 2022
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Honest, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at once. June is like a breath of fresh air and so many young readers will relate on so many levels to this brave, amazing girl. I could not put this story down.
On a personal note, my oldest also deals with anxiety and this book gave me a window into what she lives. Thank you Jamie for helping me to understand her just a little more.
Honest, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at once. June is like a breath of fresh air and so many young readers will relate on so many levels to this brave, amazing girl. I could not put this story down.
On a personal note, my oldest also deals with anxiety and this book gave me a window into what she lives. Thank you Jamie for helping me to understand her just a little more.
July 10, 2022
oh…. this book was so cute and whimsical ahdjfnfkcn. the anxiety rep was very relatable and well done, and just- the vibes were so cottagecore and lovely. my only complaint is that i wanted to see more of june; i really hope the author releases a sequel <3
also, fair warning, im not sure if anyone else experiences this, but i know this book gave me some new anxiety behaviors (i tend to “catch” anxiety stuff from books). just- be aware that the anxiety descriptions might be triggering *hugs*
also, fair warning, im not sure if anyone else experiences this, but i know this book gave me some new anxiety behaviors (i tend to “catch” anxiety stuff from books). just- be aware that the anxiety descriptions might be triggering *hugs*
May 30, 2022
3.5 stars
_The Summer of June_ marks another hit for Jamie Sumner.
June, the m.c. of this contemporary middle grade effort, is a precocious character whose close relationship to her single mom initially seems like the only tool she might have for combatting her looming nemesis: anxiety. Fortunately, June's circle only expands; her demonstrations of growth and triumph follow suit.
There are some intense but age-appropriate scenes describing June's thoughts and actions, and I expect these moments will make June an essential mirror and window for so many young readers. After all, with the state of the world today, how can kids (or actually all people) be anything BUT anxious? For those like June, who has a therapist and medication for this purpose, it'll be especially validating to know about her experiences and successes.
I enjoyed the read overall and really appreciate the representation here, but this novel feels a bit light on character development and plotting compared to Sumner's previous works. I'll still be recommending it to my college students and hoping that many of them will find a dash of hope in June's story, too. We can all take _The Summer of June_ over our actual summer of horror any day.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
_The Summer of June_ marks another hit for Jamie Sumner.
June, the m.c. of this contemporary middle grade effort, is a precocious character whose close relationship to her single mom initially seems like the only tool she might have for combatting her looming nemesis: anxiety. Fortunately, June's circle only expands; her demonstrations of growth and triumph follow suit.
There are some intense but age-appropriate scenes describing June's thoughts and actions, and I expect these moments will make June an essential mirror and window for so many young readers. After all, with the state of the world today, how can kids (or actually all people) be anything BUT anxious? For those like June, who has a therapist and medication for this purpose, it'll be especially validating to know about her experiences and successes.
I enjoyed the read overall and really appreciate the representation here, but this novel feels a bit light on character development and plotting compared to Sumner's previous works. I'll still be recommending it to my college students and hoping that many of them will find a dash of hope in June's story, too. We can all take _The Summer of June_ over our actual summer of horror any day.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
June 7, 2022
I’m so grateful for authors who write middle grade books that help open the door for discussion on kids’ mental health.
June has decided that this is the summer that she’ll beat her anxiety, turning herself from the mouse everyone else sees into the lion she knows she is. She begins by shaving her head…and immediately regrets her decision.
With a cast of incredible characters, including June’s encouraging mom, friends from the library where her mom works, a poetry-reciting kid named Homer, and her therapist Gina, June learns to trust her support system when the whatifs come calling. An excellent middle grade novel full of hope and bravery.
What I loved:
- the normalization of a child seeking mental health supports
- the fondness of the library, its program, its people…the sense of community
Out now. Highly recommend.
June has decided that this is the summer that she’ll beat her anxiety, turning herself from the mouse everyone else sees into the lion she knows she is. She begins by shaving her head…and immediately regrets her decision.
With a cast of incredible characters, including June’s encouraging mom, friends from the library where her mom works, a poetry-reciting kid named Homer, and her therapist Gina, June learns to trust her support system when the whatifs come calling. An excellent middle grade novel full of hope and bravery.
What I loved:
- the normalization of a child seeking mental health supports
- the fondness of the library, its program, its people…the sense of community
Out now. Highly recommend.
July 25, 2023
Another great book by Jamie Sumner!
I wish this book was around when I was June’s age. I was a big ‘worrier’, which now would probably be called anxiety. I was a nail biter. Now, as a school librarian myself, working with different learners (grades 1-12), I see some of my students in June in many different ways. All readers need to see themselves represented in books of all sorts. I think Jamie Sumner did a great job with June and Homer too!
Summer of June is a must read for all and a must have for all libraries!!
I hope there is a sequel or two! I’d love to hear more about June and Homer. To read how well June’s mom is doing and all the other wonderful characters!
@JamieSumner #SummerOfJune #SummerReading #BeachReading #ElementaryRead #KidLit #MGLit #SchoolLibrarian #SchoolLibraries #Read #Books
I wish this book was around when I was June’s age. I was a big ‘worrier’, which now would probably be called anxiety. I was a nail biter. Now, as a school librarian myself, working with different learners (grades 1-12), I see some of my students in June in many different ways. All readers need to see themselves represented in books of all sorts. I think Jamie Sumner did a great job with June and Homer too!
Summer of June is a must read for all and a must have for all libraries!!
I hope there is a sequel or two! I’d love to hear more about June and Homer. To read how well June’s mom is doing and all the other wonderful characters!
@JamieSumner #SummerOfJune #SummerReading #BeachReading #ElementaryRead #KidLit #MGLit #SchoolLibrarian #SchoolLibraries #Read #Books
August 19, 2022
Adorable and heartwarming middle grade contemporary. I loved that the story was set so often in the library. Fantastic anxiety rep that is dealt with in a healthy way, though do be aware of content warnings for physical manifestations of anxiety. June is a cute character and her relationship with her mother is wonderful. The majority of the story felt very realistic and moved smoothly, but the character of Mrs. Tandy was a distraction. She felt a bit too predictable and problematic, a bit of a stereotype for the crotchety character who wrecks the plan for the whole town. If she had been softened a bit around the edges and made to feel more human and believable this book would have been a 5-star. As is, this is still definitely a middle grade worth the read. Wholesome, inspiring, and cozy.
June 24, 2022
Who am I reading and enjoying juvenile fiction?! As my favorite book podcast says, reader know thyself and this book was just right for me.
June starts off her summer by shaving her head and telling herself she’s going to kick this anxiety that controls her. Her mother, the young adult librarian, is her constant but June soon finds comfort in plants. She opens herself up to new relationships, and takes the advice from her therapist to accept the anxiety and learn to live with it.
I really loved this one. June is a 11 year old character but even as a 32 year old woman I really connected with her. She was worried, anxious, and scared. I feel all of those things almost daily. I recommended this one to my 11 year old niece and I think it would be a great read for anyone who has ever had anxiety or worry.
June starts off her summer by shaving her head and telling herself she’s going to kick this anxiety that controls her. Her mother, the young adult librarian, is her constant but June soon finds comfort in plants. She opens herself up to new relationships, and takes the advice from her therapist to accept the anxiety and learn to live with it.
I really loved this one. June is a 11 year old character but even as a 32 year old woman I really connected with her. She was worried, anxious, and scared. I feel all of those things almost daily. I recommended this one to my 11 year old niece and I think it would be a great read for anyone who has ever had anxiety or worry.
November 7, 2022
I just finished June’s remarkable story and I'm certain I’ll be thinking about June for a very long time. I’ll also be thinking about the magic that can be provided by libraries, gardens, good friends, watermelon pie and of course, loving moms. It’s a book that really touched my heart.
June will be starting middle school in the fall, but first she has the magical summer ahead of her. June has been struggling with extreme anxiety for many years, but she’s determined to move on with the help of a caring counselor and a supportive, understanding mom. She knows she doesn’t want to be “the girl who pulls out her hair because of the anxious thoughts in her head or the nervous mouse girl who is scared all the time and runs from everything”. She spends her summer in the library where her mom is the much loved teen librarian. It provides places where she can hide, but it also turns out it provides some new caring friends who will help her achieve her goal.
This story will provide comfort to readers struggling with anxiety, as well as help those around them gain a better understanding of what anxiety is. This book needs to be in every elementary and middle school library, as well as in every counselor’s library.
July 21, 2022
Mini summary: June struggles with anxiety that causes her to pull her hair out in moments of extreme stress and panic attacks. Along with her mom, she decides to shave her head during the summer break as a symbol of her desire to grow mentally despite her challenges.
Cute, raw and real all at once! It was also short and sweet which paired perfectly with the storyline. The overall gist is that this was a clever way to incorporate anxiety and mental illness in an age appropriate fashion. Sunny and springy and happy while not being unrealistically cringe. It was kind of original. 3.5 stars!
Cute, raw and real all at once! It was also short and sweet which paired perfectly with the storyline. The overall gist is that this was a clever way to incorporate anxiety and mental illness in an age appropriate fashion. Sunny and springy and happy while not being unrealistically cringe. It was kind of original. 3.5 stars!
September 22, 2022
June Delancey aims to take charge of her anxiety this summer, but things are not going to according to plan. She needs to lean on all her "safe" people in order for her to be the lion she know she can be.
Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
July 12, 2024
The premise is fine, Its just…..Feminist.
One of their (Mother/daughter) goals was to become “Fierce independent females”.
Also, most of the men in the story (ex bfs especially) were jerks.
Thus, making women “strong and independent” and men “stupid jerks”.
I was disappointed because I really enjoyed her other book, “Tune it Out”, which showed that doing things alone isn’t always a good Idea, and also showed the importance of a father figure.
One of their (Mother/daughter) goals was to become “Fierce independent females”.
Also, most of the men in the story (ex bfs especially) were jerks.
Thus, making women “strong and independent” and men “stupid jerks”.
I was disappointed because I really enjoyed her other book, “Tune it Out”, which showed that doing things alone isn’t always a good Idea, and also showed the importance of a father figure.
June 3, 2022
This was cute. It was fine. A veeerrryyy easy read so it got boring to me as an adult but a kid would probably love it. I loved that it discussed some very real mental health concerns like hair pulling and anxiety attacks. I love that it mostly took place in a library. And I loved the mother daughter relationship!
I would recommend this to anyone 2nd grade or older.
I would recommend this to anyone 2nd grade or older.
August 3, 2022
My 10 year old picked this book out at the library for us to read together. I’m so glad she did. This book was such a delight. I am so glad there are books out there for her age that deal with anxiety. This is a book I will be buying to put on my forever shelves!
August 13, 2022
My favorite book this summer and I read many! I just loved Jamie’s description of anxiety and June’s journey trying to find space between her thoughts and her actions. This is a beautiful book and an awesome mirror for our kiddos who also struggle with anxiety. I highly recommend it
March 7, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up. This is a solid middle grade read about a girl working through/with anxiety. At times it’s a hard read; my heart aches for June. Other times it was just a great summer middle grade read perfect for 4th-7th grade.
July 9, 2022
I really want to try watermelon pie.
July 28, 2022
A beautiful read, perfect for anyone who deals with anxiety on a daily basis.
July 31, 2022
“You find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quiet different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews