Wave by Diana Farid

 

1987 Southern California...13 year old Ava is looking forward to summer surfing and spending time with her best friend Phoenix.  Her mother, who is a doctor, tells her she has to come volunteer at the hospital where she works, which Ava doesn't love, she has extra practice for her solo part in the 4th of July celebration, she ends up breaking her leg so surfing is out and Phoenix's lymphoma comes back.  The summer does not shape up like she wanted, but it is a realistic portrayal of life.

Written in verse with a mix tape selection at the end, I LOVED this book.   

Abby, Tried and True by Donna Gephart

 Abby's best, and only, friend moved away to Israel and she is left behind with no friends.  Her brother Paul, goes off to camp for the summer and when he comes home he tells his moms he doesn't feel well.  As Abby starts 7th grade, she is dealing with no friends at school, a new neighbor (who seems nice) and a brother who is diagnosed with testicular cancer.  As Paul goes through his treatments, she becomes friends with Conrad (the neighbor) and starts to have feelings for him. 

Good book dealing with loss of friendship, diverse family (gay parents), and brother with cancer.