FOREVER THIS SUMMER

A tween’s summer is spent making new friends and memories—and a difference for her family and community.

Georgiana Matthews is an 11-year-old Black girl who lives in Snellville, Georgia, but is spending the summer in Bogalusa, Louisiana, with relatives: Her mother’s Aunt Vie has Alzheimer’s, and the toll it’s taken on her family is significant. Georgie wishes for more opportunities to help out, such as working at Aunt Vie’s renowned diner and the freedom to explore the area on her own, but her overprotective mother is resistant. Discontented, hopeless, and bored, Georgie decides to take the initiative and organize a talent contest to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Foundation in honor of her great-aunt. She enlists the help of 12-year-old Markie Jean, a girl who works at the diner and who was formerly fostered by Aunt Vie, and Georgie’s best friend, Nikki, who arrives for a surprise visit. So begins Georgie’s summer of newfound independence, friendship, and adventure, during which she discovers truths about herself and her family. Youngblood’s writing fluidly delivers a compelling narrative imbued with historical and cultural context. The novel highlights the significance of kinship and fighting for what you believe is right. The strong pacing and peppering of historical events and pop-culture references will have readers increasingly invested with each turn of the page. Most characters are Black.

A heartwarming story with an inspiring message about creative youth activism.