Tadpole Summer - by Catherine Bruton (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An unforgettable story about sibling love, loss, and the solace found in nature.

Fran doesn't remember when she got the nickname "Frog," but it was probably when her brother Tad was born.

Born with spinal muscular atrophy, Tad is small for his age, and his muscles are becoming progressively weaker. Since they were young, Fran has been the big strong Froggie to his little Tadpole, an inseparable pair who does everything together.

One spring day, Tad is hospitalized and can't come home for a few weeks. During this time, Frog starts camping in the backyard, finding it too hard to sleep alone in the room she and Tad share. Over the course of the summer, the outdoors becomes less an escape than a refuge, the one place she finds solace from the devastating realities of her brother's illness.

When Tad finally comes home, everything seems different. He can't move around anymore, and their bunk beds are taken down to make room for new medical equipment. As Tad's condition worsens, Frog is forced to confront that she may not have much time left with him and vows to make the rest of the summer as magical as possible.

As the pair spend days watching wildlife, sleeping outside, and enjoying the beautiful world together, Frog comes to realize that the bond they share can never be broken.

About the Author

Catherine Bruton studied English at Oxford University and has been juggling life as a teacher, children's author, and mother for over twenty years. As an English and Drama teacher, she sees firsthand the impact stories can have on young readers--opening their eyes, expanding their horizons, making them ask questions and see the world differently. Her books aim to tackle some of the big issues faced by young people today--the refugee crisis, climate change, mental health--in ways that are heartbreaking, often hilarious, and invariably hopeful.