The Last Last-Day-of-Summer

Two cousins in rural Virginia spend their summers solving mysteries and having adventures in their small town of Fry. Otto and Sheed Alston, known as the Legendary Alston Boys, face their biggest challenge yet when they accidentally freeze time on the last day of summer vacation. With time frozen and their town's residents trapped in stasis, Otto and Sheed must navigate a world of bizarre occurrences and strange beings. They encounter time-bending creatures, alternate dimensions, and rivals who compete to save - or possibly destroy - their community. The cousins race against a frozen clock while grappling with their differences: Otto's methodical planning versus Sheed's spontaneous approach. Their investigation leads them through the strange corners of Fry and forces them to work with unexpected allies. This middle-grade fantasy explores themes of family bonds, accepting differences, and finding courage in extraordinary circumstances. The story combines science fiction elements with reflections on friendship and growing up.

Readers describe this middle-grade adventure as a fun mix of science fiction and fantasy that appeals to reluctant readers. Parents and teachers note that children ages 8-12 stay engaged due to the fast pace and relatable sibling dynamics between cousins Otto and Sheed. Likes: - Black main characters solving mysteries and having adventures - Humor and wordplay throughout - Illustrations help visualize the quirky monsters - Positive representation of family relationships Dislikes: - Some readers found the plot confusing with too many time-travel elements - A few noted the writing style takes time to adjust to - Several mentioned wanting more character development Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (580+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Finally an adventurous sci-fi story with Black boy protagonists that doesn't focus on trauma or struggle." The book won a 2020 Juvenile Literary Award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.

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🌟 Author Lamar Giles is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity in children's literature. 📚 The book's time-freezing plot was inspired by the universal childhood wish to make summer vacation last longer. 🎨 The novel's illustrations by Dapo Adeola bring the Legendary Alston Boys' adventures to life with dynamic black-and-white artwork throughout. ⚡ The story combines elements of science fiction with African American folklore, creating a unique blend of genres rarely seen in middle-grade literature. 🏆 The book earned multiple accolades, including being named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year and receiving nominations for state reading lists across the country.