Perfect for a read on a bright spring or summer day, or even in the winter to bring back memories of warmer weather–Summer of The Gypsy Moths is a charming book that will entertain readers of many different ages. Though it is about two young girls who are twelve years old or so, I thought the author did a magnificent job of writing this book in a way that could be relevant to grade schoolers, and maybe even those who are just entering high-school.

This book is unique in many ways, one of which being how the author approaches death, and responsibility in the loss of a parent or guardian. Ms. Pennypacker shines a semi-humorous light on what would typically be a morose subject that few would want to tackle in a book marketed towards younger readers. The two main characters in this book give a good example of how life changes when you lose a loved one, without being too overbearing or serious. This book would have been one of my favorites when I was young–if it had just been released about ten years earlier. I am glad it was not written in an overly juvenile way so I could still read it and enjoy it. If you or someone you know is looking for a delightful book to curl up with, this is the perfect read for brightening any day.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  2 religious exclamations; 5 scatological words.

Violence/Gore:  A character is mentioned to have died in a boating accident; two young girls discover a dead woman, the body is described briefly but no blood or gore is mentioned.

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

Abandonment, death.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adults smoke.