Loon Cove Summer

“This funny and heartfelt novel with a cast of witty eccentrics reminded me that sadness and hilarity can walk hand-in-hand. As sparkling, refreshing, and mysterious as a Maine lake in summertime.” –Cathy Carr, author of 365 Days to Alaska

 

 

Download the Teacher Guide! Includes discussion questions, activities, and conversation with the author.
Download the Loon Cove Summer Info Sheet
On Goodreads

ABOUT LOON COVE SUMMER:

Thirteen-year-old Sarah Richardson is determined that her life will finally get unstuck this summer. She just knows it. Her to-do list? Brave the lake again. Save the loons. Stop missing Mom. Her one bright spot: volunteering at the local wild bird rehabilitation center.

The summer looks even brighter when Sarah meets Theo, the boy staying at her family’s Maine lakeside campground who cares about protecting the loons just like she does. But when Sarah’s family may have to move, she adds a new to-do item: save their home. And when she suspects Dad is dating Theo’s aunt, the naturalist helping research environmental dangers to the loons, Sarah is caught in a new world of grief.

With the looming reality of losing her dad, her home, and the loons, Sarah must make a big statement to take control of her life. Capturing inspiration from her late mother’s Appalachian Trail hiking journal, she boldly plans a solo wild adventure. But as her challenges mount, she wonders if her courage will earn her the voice she seeks—or if she’s made a reckless choice that just might claim her life.

PRESS:

Going back in time to write a children’s book on Writer’s Digest.
The middle grade voice and nature as inspiration on The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast.
On Reading in the Middle podcast talking loons, lakes, and big feelings.

AWARDS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 Page Turner Award Best Children’s Books Middle Grade Winner

2025 Gertrude Warner Book Awards First Place by Chanticleer International Book Awards

2025 The Wishing Shelf Book Awards Finalist

2025 Lupine Award Nominee & Short List by the State of Maine Librarians

Download an excerpt to read from Loon Cove Summer! 

PRAISE FOR LOON COVE SUMMER:

“This book is filled with emotion … just beautifully written. A lot of need for tissues! A rich story that will resonate with readers of all ages … deep and resonant.” –Mary Lanni @MaryLanniReads, librarian and book blogger. Watch full review below.

 

“An original and fun read from start to finish, Loon Cove Summer is an inherently compelling and skillfully crafted story that showcases author Donna Galanti’s distinctive and narrative driven storytelling style. With its unexpected plot twists and deftly crafted characters, this thoroughly ‘kid friendly’ action/adventure novel is especially and unreservedly recommended.” –Midwest Book Review

“A warm-hearted novel, Loon Cove Summer shows how being open to new possibilities and connections can be a powerful remedy for grief. Readers will love the multi-generational cast of characters, all residents of the lakeside campground that 13-year-old Sarah’s family struggles to keep afloat. Maine provides a rich setting for this charming novel that balances profound loss with humor and hope.”
–KATE ALLEN, national bestselling author of The Line Tender

“Loon Cove Summer is a page-turning read set in the wilds of Maine offering an intimate look into a thirteen-year-old girl as she navigates the loss of her mother and her father’s subsequent depression.”
–PAUL GRECI, author of Surviving Bear Island

“In this unique and memorable setting, Galanti’s lyrical prose and skillful balancing of humor and grief, will make you feel like you’ve just spent a summer at sleepaway camp with close friends. The cast of unforgettable characters and tender relationships stays with you, making Loon Cove Summer the perfect beach—or campground—read for any young person searching for meaning and adventure in their own world of firsts.”
–JESSICA RINKER, author of The Dare Sisters

 READER REVIEWS!

The Children’s Book Review says that, “Loon Cove Summer is a middle-grade novel that offers an emotionally grounded story, with its authentic portrayal of adolescent grief and thoughtful integration of environmental themes.” Read full expanded review here.

“This one made me cry. Not just the end, but many moments where I wanted to hold the main character closer. The author did a brilliant job juggling three strong plotlines. I loved Sarah. Even during her breakdown and worst moments, she found a way back and dared to make amends. I felt that I was spending a weekend at this wonderful camp by the lake listening to the loons and painting the landscape.” – Ana, Therearenobadbooks

“Loon Cove Summer was a heartfelt story full of bold loveable characters. I would recommend Loon Cove Summer to anyone who wants a story about perseverance and birds! As an avid loon lover, I enjoyed all of the fun facts about the species and how they survive even the hardest times. The balance that Galanti provided between scientific facts and heartfelt story was a beautiful and enjoyable blend. I can’t wait for this one to be published!” – Katelyn W., Educator, NetGalley

“Donna Galanti has written a wonderful novel with delightful lines of dialogue and descriptions of a beautiful landscape of Maine. Her dedication to protecting endangered birds, wildlife, and endangered trees shines brightly through this narrative.” – Melissa Blizzard, Goodreads

“What a wonderful story! Feisty, funny thirteen-year-old Sarah Richardson is our guide into a heartwarming summer of adventure, new love, and the challenge of protecting endangered loons. The Maine campsite where she lives with her father and uncle is rich with animals and nature and colorful characters. Lyrical and precisely observed, Loon Cove Summer is truly a book of wonder. I found myself tearing up, and a few moments later, laughing. Donna Galanti writes with emotional honesty and imaginative vision—the kind that helps us see the world with new eyes and that reminds us of how miraculous it is to be thirteen and on the verge of… absolutely everything.” – Ruth Setton, Barnes & Noble

Watch this magical book review made by 10-year-old Megan with Read Read Hurray

“This book. This book. This beautiful, heartbreaking book. It’s not just a story about summertime … although it is that as well. It’s not just a story about conservation and saving the beloved loons … although a big part of it is. We see how one voice CAN make a difference, and inaction is the only true enemy of positive change … but again, not the whole story. It’s not just a story about growing up, experiencing all the firsts, and changes that life can bring…although it is this as well. It’s about going about your day and carrying on, even when you have a broken heart. When I say that I felt for Sarah, I mean I really FELT for Sarah. The lessons shared help guide us. The author does a wonderful job of getting the emotions into the story, while taking us on a summer trip we won’t soon forget.” – Gina, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers blog

“This book was a breath of fresh air with a focus on nature loving teens in a world that is so heavily focused on technology. With personal nostalgic feelings of camping as a child and listening to the call of the loons, this was a perfect summer middle grade read!”— Jen R, Librarian, NetGalley

LOON COVE SUMMER BLOG TOUR MAY 5th – MAY 9th!

May 5th:
The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow: Review
Always in the Middle: Review
Literary Rambles: Guest Post

May 6th:
Always in the Middle: Interview
Log Cabin Library: Review + Guest Post

May 7th:
The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow: Guest Post

May 8th:
Fundimental: Review + Guest Post

May 9th:
The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow: Interview