The Summer of the Swans

Betsy Byars' Newbery Medal-winning novel, The Summer of the Swans, centers on Sara Godfrey, a fourteen-year-old grappling with typical adolescent insecurities, including body image issues and jealousy of her older sister. Her already challenging summer takes a dramatic turn when her ten-year-old brother, Charlie, who is nonverbal and intellectually disabled, wanders off. The story follows Sara's desperate search for Charlie, forcing her to confront her own prejudices, particularly towards a boy named Joe Melby, and ultimately leading to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of love and family. It's a poignant exploration of empathy, self-acceptance, and the fierce bond between siblings, suitable for middle-grade readers aged 8-12.

A teen-age girl gains new insight into herself and her family when her mentally handicapped brother gets lost.