Author: Ali Standish
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reviewer: Kathie
Release Date: May 25/21
Thank you to the author and publisher for a link to this eARC.
Georgia’s family is struggling since The Shadow Man came to stay. That’s what she calls her dad when he’s been drinking, and he doesn’t sound or act like the person she adores. Her mom returned to school to get her degree in biology, so there wasn’t money to send Georgia to summer camp. But when The Shadow Man goes too far one day, Georgia is sent to Great Aunt Marigold’s place in the country during the summer weekdays while her mom is busy with school. Georgia isn’t excited about living in a quiet house with no TV where there’s nothing to do until she meets a new friend while out exploring the woods. Georgia and Angela quickly become summer sisters and discover the magical lake where they meet is separate from the world they live in. Some wishes can come true in this special place, and Georgia wishes for her family to be like it used to be. But the more complicated things get at home, the more Georgia sees that it’s important to be careful what you wish for.
I thought the author dealt with the topic of alcoholism very well. Georgia adored her dad and turned him into The Shadow Man to deal with her conflicting feelings about him. Her relationship with her mom becomes closer as the story progresses, and I love the way she connects to Aunt Marigold and helps her come to terms with her past. I enjoyed seeing Georgia appreciate the country lifestyle and help out with chores. The magic of the island and the kid’s reactions to it was a unique element to the story, and it gave Georgia important perspective on her life.
I would recommend this book for strong readers who enjoy realistic fiction with a touch of magic. I’m not personally a fan of these types of stories, and the length of 368 pages will keep me from purchasing it for my collection unless a patron asks for it.
Recommended: Gr. 5-7
Bit About Books 