Summer in the City

By Author / Illustrator

Fracaswell Hyman

Genre

Friends and family

Age range(s)

Publisher

Sterling Publishing Co Inc

ISBN

9781454933946

Format

Hardback

Published

07-05-2020

Synopsis

Where Mango goes, drama is sure to follow! It's summer break - and Mango is content to spend her time babysitting her brother, hanging with her friend Izzy and binge-watching movies late into the night. Then she runs into her drama teacher Bob (no last names, please), who has some big news: Yo, Romeo! is headed to the stage in New York City - and he wants Mango to reprise her lead! After overcoming her mom's initial reluctance and with some firm rules established Mango goes off to Brooklyn to stay with her Aunt Zendaya in a teeny apartment and prepare for her theatrical debut. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but soon Mango must confront homesickness, insecurity and the all-important question of what it means to be a good friend especially when you're far away from the people you love.

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Reviews

Mango Delight Fuller is off to New York to make her off-Broadway debut! The school production of 'Yo, Romeo!' is being staged in New York and Mango has been asked to play Juliet. After overcoming a major misunderstanding, her family's worries and her mother's list of rules, Mango goes to stay with her Aunt Zendaya, her mother's sister, in her tiny apartment. But Mango soon discovers that a thicker skin is needed for a career on the stage as she is surrounded by professional actors and obnoxious co-stars.

Once again, Mango grabs you by the heart and take you on her latest adventure, Summer in the City. As she explores her place in the world, she makes mistakes, but learns from them, becoming stronger and more Mango than ever. She learns the importance of staying true to herself and her friends, but also gains the confidence to stand up for herself a little more.

Other characters make a re-appearance; TJ also going to New York for the play, Hailey Joanne arriving for opening night and there are long-distance text messages with Izzy dotted throughout the story. Navigating friendships old and new keeps Mango on her toes and she is also trying to work out her growing feelings for TJ. Family remains a strong theme in the story: the warmth and love of Mango's family radiates from the pages.

Just as enjoyable as Mango Delight, Summer in the City is a fabulous read. I cannot wait for her next adventure!

288 pages / Ages 10+ / Reviewed by Susan Wilsher, teacher