A weeklong summer vacation for Alix and her older sister, Jools, is a series of small moments that combine to create an experience far different than their day-to-day life back home, from swimming in the ocean to cycling to a nature preserve to getting involved in a raptor rehabilitation program to making a new friend in African American Nessa, whose grandmother owns, and lives upstairs from, the apartment the girls’ family is renting. A quietly observant book that beautifully captures sibling and family dynamics, how cartwheels can lead to instant friendship, and how new experiences can leave such a lasting impression, is told primarily from Alix’s point of view, with Nessa’s perspective woven in throughout. For Nessa, some of the things unusual to Alix and Jools, from the shocking size of June bugs to building sandcastles by the sea—only to have them washed away by the tide—aren’t unusual at all. Occasional black-and- white illustrations add to the appeal of this understated story full of warmth and charm. (Ages 7–10)

Newbery Medalist Lynne Rae Perkins introduces two irresistible sisters—Alix and Jools—and takes readers on an unforgettable vacation to the beach.

This joyful celebration of sisters, family, friendship, and the ocean is illustrated in black-and-white throughout. The Wall Street Journal said, “Ocean meets sky meets two young girls in Lynne Rae Perkins’s affectionate chapter book. . . . Illustrations by the author add wit and tenderness to this sunny summer story.” For fans of Kate DiCamillo and Rebecca Stead.

Alix and her older sister, Jools, have never been to the ocean. When their parents pack them up to spend a week by the shore, Alix is nervous about leaving home—but excited, too. At the beach, the sisters make friends, go exploring, and have adventures big and small. To Alix’s surprise, as the week comes to an end, she finds she doesn’t want to leave!

Each chapter contains its own miniature discovery—from picking periwinkles, meeting a crab, and making sandcastles, to exploring the nearby town. Award-winning author Lynne Rae Perkins has beautifully crafted a genuine and engaging novel about sisters, family, and exploration.

A great read-aloud, as well as a good choice for newly independent readers. Booklist said, “Ordinary pleasures, in the hands of a writer so skilled, are elevated.” Features black and white art throughout.