Summer of Salt
on Goodreads (9,683)
What’s inside...
A magic passed down through generations. Georgina Fernweh waits with growing impatience for the tingle of magic in her fingers—magic that has been passed down through every woman in her family. Her twin sister, Mary, already shows an ability to defy gravity. But with their eighteenth birthday looming at the end of this summer, Georgina fears her gift will never come. An island where strange things happen. No one on the island of By-the-Sea would ever call the Fernwehs what they really are, but if you need the odd bit of help—say, a sleeping aid concocted by moonlight—they are the ones to ask. No one questions the weather, as moody and erratic as a summer storm. No one questions the (allegedly) three-hundred-year-old bird who comes to roost on the island every year. A summer that will become legend. When tragedy strikes, what made the Fernweh women special suddenly casts them in suspicion. Over the course of her last summer on the island—a summer of storms, of love, of salt—Georgina will learn the truth about magic, in all its many forms.
Age
13-17
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Georgina Fernweh
Prue
Vira
Mary Fernweh
Discussion points
How did Georgina's relationship with her twin sister, Mary, change throughout the story, and what do you think caused those changes?
What role does the island of By-the-Sea play in the lives of its inhabitants, and how does the setting influence the story's events?
The theme of identity and self-discovery is central to 'Summer of Salt'. How do the characters’ journeys help them find out who they really are?
Magic is a subtle yet powerful element in the story. How do you think the characters' abilities affect their interactions and decisions?
What are some of the bigger life lessons you can take away from Georgina's experiences and choices in the novel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to inspire deeper thinking and personal connections with the story. This helps in understanding complex themes.
Encourage your child to compare their experiences and feelings with those of the characters, enhancing empathy and comprehension.
Discuss the magical elements of the story and how they relate to real-life issues, bridging the gap between fantasy and reality.
Highlight the growth of characters over time, prompting discussions about personal development and change.
Revisit the story’s setting and its impact on the narrative to enhance awareness of how environments shape personal and communal life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'Summer of Salt', the protagonist Georgina and her twin sister Mary have unique supernatural abilities which set them apart. The story shows how they navigate their differences in a community that struggles to understand them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace their own uniqueness and that of others, understanding that everyone has special traits that make them valuable.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: Through the close-knit relationship between Georgina and her family and the way they support each other, the book highlights the strength and comfort that family ties provide.
Real-World Application: Children can see the importance of maintaining strong relationships with family members and contributing positively to their communities.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Loss
Explanation: The storyline involves the mysterious disappearance of the family’s bird, leading the community to face collective grief and uncertainty. This plot element helps address and process feelings of loss.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that loss is a part of life and it’s normal to feel sad about it, but support from loved ones can help in healing.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Georgina's journey in the story requires her to make brave decisions and face her fears for the sake of her family and community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of courage and self-belief when confronting challenges, no matter how daunting they may appear.