The Battle of Junk Mountain

Gr 4-6--Twelve-year-old Shayne has just arrived on the Maine coast to spend a month with her grandmother, who everyone calls Bea. Shayne is excited to be back in Maine to catch up with her "summer sister" Poppy. She's also there to help Bea clean out her house. Complicating things is the fact that her grandmother is an avid collector. She loves yard sales and has piles and piles of stuff she has amassed over the years. In the background, though, hovers her grief over the loss of her husband, Shayne's grandfather, who died in a boating accident. When Shayne helps Bea organize her things and bring them to the flea market, Bea refuses to sell anything. Meanwhile, Poppy is busy working at her dad's store and Shayne is left feeling out of sorts and lonely. Into this mix comes Cranky, also known as Mr. Holbrook, and his grandson Linc, a devoted Civil War reenactor. They become friends and Shayne starts working on Cranky's lobster boat. The Maine setting comes through clearly with rich descriptions and details. VERDICT Themes on intergenerational relationships, grief, and evolving friendships elevate this above the standard summer vacation story. A solid purchase, especially where realistic coming-of-age middle grade is needed.--Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City