Summer of the Swans

Summer of the Swans is a moving and perceptive family story focusing on the relationship of junior high-aged Sara and her younger brother Charlie.  In spite of the predictable frustrations of early adolescence, Sara feels protective and defensive about Charlie, who is retarded and full of his own unexpressed dreams and fears.  Sara is often ambivalent about herself, her friends, and her family, but the bond of trust and affection with Charlie is the strength which forces self-concern aside.  During the summer, Sara takes Charlie to the lake to see the swans and the child is strangely moved by their beauty.  Later, he sets out alone to find them and becomes lost in the wooded ravines near home.  The story moves dramatically through the suspense of searching, the despair of Charlie's fear and helplessness, Sara's reluctant trust in a boy from school who helps her look for Charlie--to the ultimate relief and elation at finding him.