Cool for the Summer
By Mandie Caroll,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Witty and surprisingly lovely story about questioning teen.
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What's the Story?
Told in overlapping timelines of "then" (summer) and "now" (fall), COOL FOR THE SUMMER is about Lara, who's unexpected summer romance challenges everything she thought she knew about herself. Lara spent the summer in North Carolina's Outer Banks due to her mom's job, and there she met and has a summer fling with worldly, independent Jasmine. Back at home in New York, Lara determines to put Jasmine behind her and starts her senior year. Much to her shock, her years-long crush, Chase, finally flirts with her and Jasmine walks in to her school, having transferred there at the last minute. Lara begins to date Chase, but she doesn't feel like she thought she would, like all her dreams were coming true. Lara can't stop thinking about Jasmine, the tender connection they shared, and the thrill of being intimate with her. What does it mean for Lara, who had always thought of herself as straight, if she's actually in love with Jasmine? Lara must decide if living authentically and honestly is more important than playing it safe by staying with Chase and keeping Jasmine a secret.
Is It Any Good?
This charming read is a thoughtful rendering of how fluid and surprising identity can be, set in a familiar high school context. Though Lara and her friend groups aren't at first glance relatable. Popular kids at school are either wealthy or benefit from connections to wealthy people. But author Dahlia Adler deftly paints characters with depth beyond their stereotype (jock, boy-crazy girl, mean girl, etc.), so initially resistant readers will quickly get on board with the characters' emotional journeys. It doesn't hurt that the author nails the teen voice with witty dialogue and inner thoughts, includes a sweet love story, and writes steamy sex scenes.
The central conflict results from poor communication, which may annoy some readers (why couldn't they just be honest with each other from the beginning?!). But Lara's confusion, anger, and fear as she interrogates her summer with Jasmine and her uncertain feelings for Chase are as authentic as they come. Any teen who's questioned who they really are will find a kindred story and hope in Lara's experiences. This book is fun to fall into and a necessary addition to queer and questioning lit for young adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Lara's growth as a character in Cool for the Summer. How does she change over the course of the book? How does her relationship with Jasmine help Lara see herself differently? Who in your life has helped you "grow up" and become more of who you want to be? How did it happen?
There's a fair amount of underage drinking in this story. How does the "party scene" in this book compare with teen alcohol use in your school or friend group? What are the ways characters in the book reduce the harms associated with drinking? What are some other ways to reduce harm from substance use?
What are some of Lara's concerns about telling her mom and friends about Jasmine? How can you be a good friend and support someone exploring their sexuality?
Book Details
- Author: Dahlia Adler
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Wednesday Books
- Publication date: May 11, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 272
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: September 27, 2021
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