The Firefly Summer
on Goodreads (1,446)
What’s inside...
The Penderwicks meets The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street in a story about a young girl, Ryanna Stuart, who gets to know her mom’s side of the family and hunts for hidden treasure over the course of one chaotic summer. Ryanna spends each summer with her father and his new wife in a structured, quiet environment. However, this summer she receives a letter from her estranged grandparents, inviting her to stay with them at an old summer camp in the Poconos. Accepting the invitation, Ryanna seeks to learn about her mom and uncover why her father hasn't spoken to her grandparents since her mom's death. Expecting a quiet summer by the lake, she instead finds a large, unconventional family with many relatives who share memories of her mom. Among these memories, Ryanna discovers an actual treasure map. Throughout this unforgettable summer filled with s’mores, swimming, adventure, and a decades-old mystery, Ryanna uncovers a new side of herself and realizes that sometimes the last place you expected to be is exactly where you belong.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the fireflies light up in the story?
How do you feel about the way the characters interacted with each other during their summer adventure?
What would you do if you were part of the firefly-catching team?
How did the story make you feel when the summer ended?
What is the most important lesson the characters learned during their adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to reading, discuss with your child what they know about fireflies and summer activities, setting the stage for the themes in 'The Firefly Summer.'
As you read the story together, pause at exciting moments to predict what might happen next, fostering your child’s imagination and anticipation.
Encourage your child to express how they feel about the characters’ decisions and actions, helping them connect emotionally with the story.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character, giving them a creative outlet to reflect on the story.
Share your own childhood summer memories with your child, linking your experiences to those in the book to strengthen family bonds and personal connections to the reading material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Firefly Summer', the characters work together to organize a summer festival. Their collaboration and shared responsibilities highlight how teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The story shows characters overcoming unexpected problems during the festival preparations, teaching that setbacks can be managed with determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that encountering obstacles is a part of life and that persistence and resilience are key to overcoming them.
Example Lesson: Appreciating nature
Explanation: The book’s setting around a vibrant summer and the enchanting fireflies encourages an appreciation for the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore the outdoors, engage in environmental conservation activities, and learn about the ecosystem around them.