With their father en route to Africa for Doctors Without Borders, city-kids Nicholas and younger twin sisters Haley and Hetty are off to spend the summer with their Great-Uncle Nick at his house on Forsaken Lake. Despite some initial doubts, Nicholas is right at home in the country: he learns to sail, learns about his father as a boy, and makes fast friends with a local-girl, the tomboy Charlie. The summer takes a turn toward the mysterious, though, when Nicholas discovers an old movie that his father made as a boy: it tells the story of the local legend, The Seaweed Strangler, but was never finished. Before long Nicholas wants answers both about the legend, and about the movie. Together, he and Charlie work to uncover the truth and discover some long-buried family secrets along the way. In this lovely middle-grade novel, Michael D. Beil has invoked one of his own favorites, We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea, as well as other great summer books of years-past.
Download and start listening now!
"Summer at Forsaken Lake is a great book for upper elementary and middle school. Who wouldn't want to read about a summer at a lake with mystery and intrigue? The characters are ones that kids will be able to easily identify as they are realist kids and not vampires or other creatures. I will be passing this book along to my 12 and 14 yr old children."
— Renee (4 out of 5 stars)
" enjoyed this audio book, predictable yet fun "
— paula, 2/8/2014" Good for boys or girls, about 11 or 12 years old. "
— Allison, 2/5/2014" I enjoyed this little novel, with its well-developed characters and old-fashioned feel. It isn't flashy, but is a good solid read. It has inspired me to read Arthur Ransome's "We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea". It takes a little while to get into the plot, but once you are invested in the story, it moves right along to a satisfying conclusion. This would be a wonderful read for upper elementary and above who have an interest in sailing, with its many sailing terms and descriptions. It's also a nice book to read during summer vacation , or ,at least, when dreams of summer are on your mind. "
— Caren, 1/25/2014" nice, light summer coming-of-age story with a 12-year-old boy protagonist. "
— Annie, 12/31/2013" 3.5 stars A delightful book which reminded me of the Penderwicks. Lots of boating terminology and information. "
— Donalyn, 12/18/2013" Reminded me of the Penderwicks. A sweet summer tale of friendship and adventure. Sure to please the sailors too. "
— Lisa, 12/14/2013" Audiobook for family roadtrip. Perfect. "
— MamaDoodle, 9/29/2013" An old-fashioned feeling read, perfect for a day at the lake. Call it 3.5 stars for a bit of a slow pace. "
— Heather, 8/29/2013" I wanted to like this much more than I actually did. It's fine, but missing a certain something. Also, I found the illustrations not-entirely-suiting. But I am further resolved to read some Arthur Ransome, if only the library had 'em. "
— Jenn, 8/5/2013" Story was good but the book was a little too long. Some of the story could have been cut and I think the book would have been so much better. "
— Lynda, 7/29/2013" It's a cute little story. Good for kids probably 9 to 14 or so. "
— Danylle, 7/19/2013" New book that I hope will be nominated for the Twain Award next year. A 12 year-old boy and his sisters from NYC are sent to a great uncle's home in Ohio to spend their summer. They enjoy becoming part of the community, learning new skills, and making new friends. Good read for reluctant readers. "
— Connie, 3/27/2013" fun summer read. Exciting, the kids try to solve an old mystery involving their parents. "
— B, 11/7/2012" This book started off strong, and I was flying through it. But the mystery involved quickly falls flat and the book then meanders on. It's good, but the beginning and end feel like different books. "
— Ms.Patterson, 10/21/2012" I really enjoyed the setting and characters of this book. It is definitely a read-alike for The Penderwicks series. However, boys would like Summer at Forsaken Lake as well. It was a sweet tale about kids enjoying life during a slow summer. Sigh. "
— Alexis, 9/3/2012" I enjoyed this "tween" novel. A nice bump up from series fiction like Boxcar Children, solid plot, realistic characters. I think 11-12-13 year olds would connect with these characters. "
— Jennifer, 6/17/2012Michael Beil teaches English at a Catholic high school in New York City. But lest anyone peg him as a mere “mild mannered academic,” it should be noted that he and his wife are also intrepid mountain climbers.