Ever since Annie Richards' brother died in a freak hockey accident, Annie has been aware of all the dangers that surround her. She never rides her bike without a helmet (or elbow pads, knee pads and ace bandages on each ankle). Her mother worries about Annie's worries, but is too deep in her own grief to help her. Her father barely notices that Annie is even there. Her best friend turns on her when Annie gets upset and runs home at her hamster's funeral and Doug Zimmerman just won't take the hint to get lost. Her only comfort is the very helpful book she found at the neighbor's garage sale, The Everyday Guide to Preventing Illness. It helped her avoid all sorts of dangers like Ebola, Malaria and Salmonella. Then she meets her new neighbor, Mrs. Finch. Mrs. Finch is working through her own grief. Can Gin Rummy, chocolate chip cookies, and Charlotte's Web really help them both back to a sense of normality? Grab a box of tissues and read Umbrella Summer.
Similar books: The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron
Date read: 9/11/2009
ISBN-10: 0061431877
ISBN-13: 9780061431876
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