My Jasper June by Laurel Snyder
Published by Walden Pond Press on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 0062836625
Pages: 304
Goodreads

Summer arrives but Leah is bored and lonely since she is not going to camp this year.  Enter a refreshing new girl to the community who emits self-confidence and exhibits a sense of personal freedom.   This book is powerful as it goes beyond typical teen friendship to reveal some serious situations.  Readers will be surprised twice by twist that are not expected even as they are enchanted by the quality of real friendship.  The only weakness is the under development of Leah’s parents.

My Jasper June does have a magical quality and will appeal to mostly7^th and 8^th grade girls.  Public and middle school librarians will want to add this book to their collection.  School social workers may find the runaway and family loss themes helpful for their students.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, ME