The Summer of Riley

The Summer of Riley

Eve Bunting

Publisher

Harper Collins

Publication Year

2001

ISBN

9780064409278

Pages

176 pages

Genre

realism

Format

novel

Item Type

Fiction

Annotation

Eleven-year-old William never needed a friend more than now. After his parents' separation, his father's new engagement, and his grandfather's dying without any warning -- adopting big, beautiful Riley is the first thing in a long time that has made him feel better. That is, until Riley innocently chases a horse. Local law states that any animal that chases livestock must be put to sleep. Suddenly William stands to lose another thing close to him. Together with his "totally unsurpassed" friend Grace, William begins a campaign to reverse the county commissioners' decision. But with a community divided on the issue, and the bully Ellis Porter trying to stop them at every turn, will they be able to save Riley's life? Celebrated author Eve Bunting shows William's determined struggle to fight for what he believes in. The Summer of Riley is an inspiring novel about learning to accept life's changes, the healing power of friendship, and the unending desire to protect those we love.

Grade Level

3-5

Diversity Topics

Family Relationships; Divorce; Separation; Family member death; divorced parents; separated parents; death of a grandfather

Main Character

boy

Race/Ethnicities

White

Family Formation

divorced parents

Awards

Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for PreK-Grade 6, 13th Edition, 2002
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2002
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2003
Nominee
The de Grummond Children's Literature Collection
Askews Torchlight Children's Book Award, 2003, Short List
Virginia Readers' Choice Award, 2003-2004, Winner, Elementary
Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2003, Honor Book
Virginia Young Readers Program, 2004, Winner, Elementary

Keywords

engagement; remarriage; dogs; only child; bullying; horse

Diversity Impact

direct

The Summer of Riley

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