One Alley Summer: A Novel of Friendship and Growing Up

Gr 3-7–Ylvisaker tells the story of word enthusiast Phoebe (Phee), 11, the summer before middle school. Phee and Henny have been friends since they can remember and spend their summers outside playing in the alley behind their houses. This summer is a little different, though. They are too old to play with the little kids but too young to hang out with the big kids, which is all Phee wants to do. Then spunky new girl Mercy moves in next door, and Phee sees an opportunity to try new things. She is just trying to find her place in her world and is making new friends while realizing the importance of not leaving behind Henny. Told from Phoebe’s point of view, this novel-in-verse is an enjoyable coming-of-age story perfect for middle school shelves. Discovering oneself, making room for old and new friends, and realizing that just because you know someone doesn’t mean you know what they’re going through are themes that will resonate with many readers. Discovering Ylvisaker’s creative expression of the action taking place on the page makes the novel doubly enjoyable.