Description

For fans of The Wild Robot and Rebecca Stead, a middle grade novel that explores what makes us human—and what it means to be irreplaceable.

Summer 2.0 is not here to replace Summer Dillon.

As an android, she’s a little different: a control panel instead of a brain, a mechanical heart instead of a physical one. She can't quite replicate Summer’s airy laughter, and she can only construct her personality with 93% accuracy.

But Summer 2.0 loves being alive. She loves living with Summer's family, trying new flavors of ice cream, and going to school—just like the real Summer would have.

Summer 2.0 knows she is not here to replace Summer Dillon. She is here to continue her. And as long as Summer 2.0 does just that—remains the perfect Summer—she’ll be able to stay.

But her efforts seem to lead her further and further away from perfection, and a new question arises: if she isn’t the real Summer, who is she meant to be?

From Sarah Everett, the critically acclaimed author of The Probability of Everything and The Shape of Lost Things.

About the author(s)

Sarah Everett is the author of The Probability of Everything as well as several books for teens. Charlotte’s Web was the first book that ever made her cry, and while she despises spiders, she still has an abiding love of stories that move her. When she is not reading or writing, she is dreaming about summer, gearing up for her next travel adventure, perfecting her tree pose, or yodeling with her dog. She lives in western Canada.

Reviews

“A luminescent heartbreak for our times and souls. I’m still shook up over this gorgeous book.” - Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor author of One Crazy Summer

"A beautifully written novel with a rich cast of characters. Readers will enjoy the tension and fascinating questions raised about advancing technologies, but where this story truly shines is in its humanity. The Continuation of Summer Dillon is the kind of book that stays with you long after reading." - Kate Beasley, author of Lions and Liars

The Continuation of Summer Dillion is a beautiful, sometimes haunting, journey of self-discovery that invites the reader to be true to themselves, even when it flies in the face of the expectations set out for us. Sarah Everett has written a thoughtful, wonderful, and deeply human book.” - Johnnie Christmas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Swim Team

“I loved reading this coming -of-age story with a twist—The Continuation of Summer Dillon is a moving examination of grief, growing up, and what it means to be human.” - Aisha Saeed, New York Times bestselling author of Amal Unbound

"Everett (The Shape of Lost Things) considers personhood and what it means to be alive in this cerebral and perceptive story about an android continuing a human child’s life after her death." - Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"Everett crafts an effective mirror through which to explore what it means to be human, the impact of AI and medical racism, and themes of grief and belonging. Despite these serious, deeper subjects, the well-developed characters and immersive, accessible writing keep the tone positive, and readers will enjoy the journey." - Kirkus Review

Praise for Sarah Everett:

“Kemi’s astute voice resonates with a deep love and loyalty for her family, rendering her insistence in honoring them and subsequent narrative reveals as heartrending, hopeful, and palpably felt." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Thought-provoking and utterly unique, this is an impactful book that deserves a place in all middle grade classrooms and libraries.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

“This realistically drawn, gut-wrenching novel will stick with readers long after they’ve finished reading. A powerful exploration of grief.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“An empathetic, unflinching portrayal of childhood bereavement, this gut-punch of a story brings familiar themes from Everett’s YA works to a younger readership." - Booklist

“One of the best books I have read this year (maybe ever).” - Colby Sharp, Nerdy Book Club

The Shape of Lost Things is a compelling and beautifully written portrayal of a complicated sibling relationship. With friendship conflicts, a first crush, and STEAM themes weaved in, Everett's sophomore novel story is sure to captivate readers! - Janae Marks, New York Times bestselling author of On Air with Zoe Washington

“The Shape of Lost Things is an engaging look at grief, friendship, and how to remain who you are when everything around you is changing. It has a pitch-perfect voice and a heroine to root for. Skye's journey will stay with kids for a long time. An absolute must-read!” - Claire Swinarski, author of What Happened to Rachel Riley?

"Part mystery, this emotional roller-coaster will have readers hoping for the best but waiting for the other shoe to drop. Fans of Everett’s debut, The Probability of Everything, will appreciate her masterly ability to build mounting dread through the (seemingly) ordinary.... A recommended first purchase for all libraries serving tweens and teens." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Everett acutely captures the struggles and nuances of changing friendship dynamics, shifting family roles, walking the line between truth and loyalty, and handling big emotions... A cast of gorgeously developed characters and realistic dialogue, layered with the emotional arc and relatable middle-school struggles, makes for an engaging and unputdownable read." - Booklist (starred review)

"A stellar middle-grade novel told through the eyes of an introverted tween trying to heal from trauma as she finds her place in a new, blended family... an excellent read for fans of Renée Watson or Kekla Magoon's books for young readers." - Shelf Awareness (starred review)

"Everett skillfully explores complex themes of grief, loss, and change through the eyes of a child. Skye battles with feeling like an outcast within her family—like the only person who’s “un-special.” She also explores what it means to learn to accept reality and understand that change is necessary in life... A well-wrought account of a journey toward truth."  - Kirkus Reviews

"This engaging coming-of-age story gives voice to complicated and traumatic feelings caused by divorce and estrangement, to changes in family and friendships, and to the difficulty of accepting the inevitability of change." - Horn Book Magazine

More by Sarah Everett

More Death, Grief, Bereavement

More Social Themes

More Juvenile Fiction

More African American & Black

More United States

More Places

More Robots

More Family

More Emotions & Feelings