My Summer of Pink & Green

Gr 5–8—In this sequel to My Life in Pink & Green (Abrams, 2009), Lucy charms readers once again with her positive attitude and dedication to beauty, make-up, and environmental well-being. The Desberg family pharmacy is about to add an eco-spa with the help of a grant that Lucy won. Looking forward to a great summer, the 13-year-old must deal with a few disappointments and surprises. Her sister brings her boyfriend home to spend the summer, her grandma hires a professional spa coordinator instead of Lucy, and her family's investor brings his immature, socially awkward daughter to spend time at the spa. At the same time, Lucy experiences the ups and downs that come with first boyfriends and a best friend who seems to enjoy spending time with her boyfriend more than with her. Greenwald's depiction of the early teenage years is spot-on, and her use of "tips to have a great summer" at the beginning of each chapter is uplifting and affirmative. The plot connects all story lines nicely as a stand-alone or when paired with the first book. Recommend this book to girls looking for a modern story in which the characters are realistically portrayed.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH