Secrets of the Cicada Summer

Beaty, Andrea. Secrets of the Cicada Summer
Amulet see Abrams, Harry 2010 167p 6.95
978-0-8109-8419-6 elm/ms Realistic Fiction VG
“ Twelve-year-old Lily, believing she could have prevented the accident that caused her brother's death, has quit speaking leaving everyone to think that she is brain damaged, but in her silence she sees everything, and when sly newcomer Tinny comes to town, Lily suddenly has a lot to talk about--if only she can make herself speak the words.”
Geared toward upper elementary and middle school readers, this mystery/adventure story will keep students wondering why would a girl quit speaking to anyone leading others to think she is brain damaged for so long. In this title, Lily Mathis, a twelve-year old girl hasn’t spoken to anyone including her parents, ever since the death of her brother. Lily blames herself for her brother’s death because she thinks she could have prevented the accident. Even though Lily has remained quiet, she read Nancy Drew mysteries in secret keeping her secret of why she didn’t speak to anyone. Despite her nonverbal communication to people, she did watch and take in everything going on around her. When a new girl named Tinny Bridges enters the town, who is the storekeepers’s niece, she finds it difficult not to speak. Tinny is mischievous, talkative, ad mysterious. Lily learns of Tinny’s secret and in turn she sees that Lily actually can read and is not brain damaged. When Tinny disappears, Lily needs to break her silence and speak the truth about what she knows in order to save her from harm. Even though Lily’s brother Pete is deceased, her memories of him are present and provides readers with a feel that he is there too.

Filled with adventure, suspense, mystery, and excitement, this title will be enjoyed by many who seek a fast paced novel. Would make a nice addition to an elementary of middle school collection. Forba-Mayer(2)Charleen Brothers and sisters -- Fiction.