Umbrella Summer

Lisa Graff

Jun 2009 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

Annie Richards knows there are a million things to look out for—bicycle accidents, food poisoning, chicken pox, smallpox, typhoid fever, runaway zoo animals, and poison oak. That's why being careful is so important, even if it does mean giving up some of her favorite things, like bike races with her best friend, Rebecca, and hot dogs on the Fourth of July. Everyone keeps telling Annie not to worry so much, that she's just fine. But they thought her brother, Jared, was just fine too, and Jared died.

It takes a new neighbor, who looks as plain as a box of toothpicks but has some surprising secrets of her own, to make Annie realize that her plans for being careful aren't working out as well as she had hoped. And with a lot of help from those around her—and a book about a pig, too—Annie just may find a way to close her umbrella of sadness and step back into the sunshine.

With winsome humor and a dash of small-town charm, Lisa Graff's third novel is a touching look at rising above grief and the healing power of community.

Ratings and reviews

When I first started this book it took a while to get into it. I am glad I persevered thoigh because it is a great novel with lots of heart.

I am not all the way done but i love this book so far,the kid who is anoying,buying more and more bandaids by reading some of these coments i will read this over and over and over again thank you!

This book made me cry :( but it was so amazing It teaches you too just be happy and enjoy today while its there This book should be read by all !

About the author

Lisa Graff is the author of The Life and Crimes of Bernetta Wallflower and The Thing About Georgie, which was named to nine state reading lists. Lisa grew up in a small California town very much like the one in this novel and received an MFA in writing for children from the New School.