THE YEAR WITHOUT A SUMMER

Mark’s middle-grade romance combines familiar teen troubles with climate change anxiety.

Clara Montalvo and Jamie Fulton are two eighth graders in Albany, New York, who come from drastically different backgrounds. She’s a new student at the school, a recent survivor of a hurricane in Puerto Rico. As their science class dissects a volcanic explosion that happened on the other side of the world in 1815 and caused unexpected snowfall in their hometown, the students have varying reactions. Jamie believes that the explosion is amazing and focuses on how cool it would’ve been to snowboard in the summer, and Clara’s recent experience with natural disaster makes her feel that Jamie is insensitive. Their sparring in science class gradually transitions into conversations about their personal lives at home. Jamie’s enlisted brother is injured in Afghanistan, and Clara’s father is unreachable back in Puerto Rico. These experiences bring the two closer together as they commiserate and share their worries. Instead of wallowing in their hardships, though, the teens decide to empower each other, their classmates, and their families by working to combat climate change. Mark’s novel will appeal to both a middle-grade and YA audience, as it discusses its heavy topics with finesse and warmth. It’s a compelling blend of a teenage romance and a tale of attempting to make a difference in the world at large. As such, the work effectively focuses on change in one’s one life as well as change in one’s community. The book’s central theme reminds readers of the power of scientific discovery and the importance of engaging in activism and advocacy. As the novel skillfully navigates the teenage relationship, it also creates a hopeful larger narrative.

A well-balanced and wide-ranging story for young readers.