  | Day at the beach Author: Schmidt, Gary D. | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
Multiple points of views follow a diverse cast of young people whose lives intersect in surprising and hilarious ways over the course of a summer day.
| Added Entry - Personal Name: | Koertge, Ronald |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (02/01/25)
School Library Journal (04/01/25)
Booklist (00/03/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 02/03/2025 Collaborators Schmidt (Jupiter Rising) and Koertge (Maya’s Story) team up with illustrator Ma Van As (the Kudo Kids series) to explore a single day at Rockcastle Beach, N.J., through the perspectives of more two dozen kids in this winsome work. Beginning at dawn as siblings Jackie and Simon race across the beach before it formally opens to the public, chronological chapters-each containing a standalone narrative-progress throughout the day, occasionally intersecting to build one cohesive tale. Stories follow Tobias Jackson, whose eagerness to show off his newly trim physique is derailed upon losing his phone; Hassani Ahmadi, who, on his weekly beach walk with his father, navigates a confrontation that brings up memories of immigrating from Iran; and Leslie Perl Brown, who, resentful of the pressures placed upon her by her reverend parents, converts to a new perspective. Weighty topics surrounding racism, grief over a pet’s death, and contending with cancer’s effects on a parent are addressed with tender nuance. Animated full-page illustrations depict the day’s progression and show the racial diversity of the cast in immersive, realistic scenes. Ages 8-12. (Apr.) - Copyright 2025
School Library Journal - 04/01/2025 Gr 5 Up—Schmidt's latest takes readers through a single day at a popular beach boardwalk following numerous characters and their perspectives. Readers hear about concurrent events through multiple lenses as each chapter highlights a new person and their experiences. Although there is some crossover of characters, most only get one chapter. Themes of family, coming of age, death, cancer, body image, and more are discussed through the windows into the culturally diverse group of characters' lives. Readers will not be bored as the story shifts from character to character. The scenes and interactions will be relatable to middle grade readers. Although there is no central story to follow, tweens will enjoy seeing how the characters' paths cross throughout the day. VERDICT This multi-viewpoint narrative highlighting tween interactions among family and friends will be enjoyed by many readers.—Anna Kambach - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
