Summer of Salt

Georgina Fernweh lives on By-the-Sea, an island where her family's magic is legendary. Her sister can float, her mother can predict the weather, but Georgina is still waiting. When a rare 300-year-old bird returns to the island, it brings a summer of romance with a girl named Prue, but also a dark tragedy that forces Georgina to redefine what 'magic' actually means. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with sexual assault (off-page but central to the plot) and the resulting trauma. The approach is realistic and heavy, focusing on the aftermath and the way a community reacts to a victim. It also touches on death and grief. The resolution is hopeful but acknowledges that healing is a long, non-linear process. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a whimsical, almost fairy-tale atmosphere centered on teenage yearning. It shifts sharply into a darker, more grounded exploration of trauma and mystery before ending on a note of empowerment and self-acceptance. IDEAL READER: A thoughtful 16-year-old who enjoys magical realism but wants a story that doesn't shy away from the difficult realities of growing up. Perfect for the 'late bloomer' who feels pressured to have their whole life figured out. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'I'm the only one in this family who isn't good at anything,' or if the child is beginning to process a difficult experience involving consent or personal boundaries. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of a significant plot point involving the sexual assault of a secondary character. It is handled with care but is a major tonal shift. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens (14) will focus on the magic and the 'will she, won't she' tension of the birthday. Older teens (17-18) will resonate more with the themes of body autonomy, the fear of the future, and the nuance of the romantic relationship. DIFFERENTIATOR: It perfectly balances high-concept magical realism with the gritty, painful reality of being a teenage girl, refusing to let the magic solve the real-world problems.