
By Gary Paulsen
A loner teen's summer changes with a new neighbor and unexpected challenges.
Fifteen-year-old Finn, a loner with a love for solitude, finds his summer plans upended when Johanna, a vibrant neighbor battling breast cancer, moves in next door. As Finn and his dog Dylan grow close to Johanna, he faces unexpected challenges, including a comical gardening project that tests his patience and creativity. With his friend Matthew, Finn learns the power of connection and empathy, discovering talents he never knew he had. Will this summer of unexpected friendships and trials transform Finn's outlook on life?
Sometimes having company is not all it’s cracked up to be. Fifteen-year-old Finn is a loner, living with his dad and his amazing dog, Dylan. This summer he’s hoping for a job where he doesn’t have to talk to anyone except his pal Matthew. Then Johanna moves in next door. She’s 10 years older, cool, funny, and she treats Finn as an equal. Dylan loves her, too. Johanna’s dealing with breast cancer, and Matthew and Finn learn to care for her, emotionally and physically. When she hires Finn to create a garden, his gardening ideas backfire comically. But Johanna and the garden help Finn discover his talents for connecting with people.
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