A review by angiew23
The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles

4.0

This funny, outlandish middle grade novel tells the story of two cousins who wish they could soak up just a bit more summer vacation. Sometimes you get what you wish for and it doesn't always end up being quite what you imagined, and that is certainly the case for Otto and Sheed! When the entire town freezes, the boys are left to save the town, avoid crazy creatures and somehow get things back to normal and bring an end to summer vacation. The book has a high energy level and quick pacing to it that is sure to capture the attention of middle grade readers. There are funny moments for sure and the characters are well developed. I initially thought about reading it as a back to school book for my grade 3/4 students, and while I think they would enjoy it and could definitely myself purchasing a copy for my classroom library, I'm not sure I want to do a novel study on it, though I probably could make it work. I could also see using it as a mentor text for an alternative "what I did on summer vacation" writing prompt! There are also some good middle grade themes woven throughout, such as believing in yourself and working together/being supportive. It is a good book and one I would definitely recommend.