The Summer of the Swans

The Summer of the Swans

by Betsy Byars; ill. Ted CoConis (Viking, 1970 / Puffin, 1981)

Book cover: “The Summer of the Swans” by Betsy Byars; ill. Ted CoConis (Viking, 1970 / Puffin, 1981)

A simple, almost innocuous story, lent narrative power by its non-pandering depiction of character. Charlie, who is mentally disabled, appears likely to be the focus, yet it is his 14-year-old sister Sara whose adolescent problems are lent perspective when Charlie goes missing.

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