The Sun Will Come Out

February 15, 2021
Bea and her best friend, Frankie, are horse-crazy 11-year-olds excited to spend a month together at Camp Shalom, a Jewish sleep-away camp. When Frankie's parents arrange instead for her to attend Circle M, a much more expensive horse camp, Bea feels betrayed. She's hurt by Frankie's willingness to abandon her and upset about her own parents' inability to afford the pricey Circle M. This friendship crisis isn't Bea's only problem--she has also started breaking out in hives at the worst possible times: in front of her longtime crush (who is also Frankie's brother) and the mean girls who share her cabin and when she auditions for the camp musical. But Bea finds silver linings as well: one is Regan from Ireland, who becomes her bunkmate and close friend; another is Harry, the camp directors' son, who has progeria, a life-limiting genetic disorder. While Harry spends time in the infirmary and avoids the other campers, who are not always welcoming to him, Bea's struggle with hives gives her a chance to get to know him beyond his illness. With help from Harry, Bea learns that she is brave enough to face hard things. The story gives voice to the experience of Jewish preteens; chronic illness and disability are also sensitively tackled in this complex tale about difference, acceptance, and self-confidence. A heartfelt tear-jerker about love, friendship, and courage. (Fiction. 8-12)

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April 1, 2021

Gr 3-7-Eleven-year-old Bea, who is white, has always dreamed of attending sleepaway Camp Shalom with her best friend. Shortly before the summer begins, Bea learns that her friend is going to horse camp instead. Attending camp alone is Bea's first experience with independence. At first she is so nervous that she breaks out in hives and gets picked on by a pair of mean girls. But she also makes new friends and learns to confront problems instead of running from them. The camp production of her favorite musical, Annie, provides a through line and eventual triumph. Bea is a relatable narrator. Judaism and kind camp staff provide language and support for Bea's life lessons. Readers who share her faith may recognize words, but all readers will relate to concepts such as kindness and bravery. VERDICT Books about gaining independence at summer camp are a crowded field, but there is plenty of room for this sweet, fresh take.-Amelia Jenkins, Juneau P.L., AK

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2021
Grades 3-6 Eleven-year-old Bea Gelman is looking forward to attending Camp Shalom with her BFF Frankie, until Frankie makes horse camp plans, leaving shy Bea to attend alone. Although she makes a new friend on the bus, Bea's camp experience is beset by trials and tribulations: mean girls, an unrequited crush on a counselor-in-training, and a severe case of stress-induced hives, which results in her spending a great deal of time in the infirmary. There she befriends the camp directors' son, who suffers from progeria, a genetic disorder that causes premature aging. Levy's narrative is spot on in her depiction of the friendship concerns and misunderstandings that often lead to tween trauma. Minor plots involving a camp production of Annie (in which Bea is unexpectedly thrust into the lead shortly before the performance), dealing with bullies, and facing one's fears (whether they involve attempting new skills such as waterskiing or dealing with tough interpersonal issues) are also well developed. The Judaic setting is apt but never heavy-handed and progeria outcomes are gently handled.

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