First published 2011
Skye Penderwick finds herself in charge when her family splits up for summer vacation. Rosalind heads to the beach while Skye travels to Maine with sisters Jane and Batty, plus family friend Jeffrey, under Aunt Claire's supervision. Their cottage sits on a rocky shore complete with loud seagulls and a friendly neighbor next door. But Skye struggles with her new role as oldest available Penderwick. She must follow Rosalind's cryptic instructions about preventing Batty from exploding into tantrums. Meanwhile, Jane conducts her Love Survey and becomes smitten with a boy named Dominic. Batty surprises everyone by showing unexpected musical talent, defying family assumptions about her abilities. Jeffrey works overtime trying to maintain peace among the sisters who have become his chosen family. Each challenge tests Skye's leadership skills as she learns what it means to be responsible for others. The Maine adventure becomes a journey of growth for all the Penderwick children as they navigate sibling dynamics, budding romance, and personal discoveries away from home.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, contemporary, young-adult, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, personal-growth
Setting: Maine, Point Mouette
Period: Summer
295 pages · Hardcover · Alfred A. Knopf