The Summer of Bad Ideas

A little girl attempts to find herself with help from her wild grandmother in this “whimsical contemporary coming-of-age story . . .full of sweetness and moments of sheer chutzpah” (School Library Journal).

Edie has always been a rule follower. But when she finds herself stuck in small-town Florida for a summer with her impossibly cool cousin, she decides it’s time for a gutsier Edie, a more adventurous Edie, a wish-upon-a-shooting-star and make-your-own-wish-come-true Edie.

Together, the cousins set out to complete a mysterious list of “Good Ideas for Summertime” that their eccentric late grandmother wrote back when she was their age. But good ideas? Most of them seem like bad ideas. Reckless. Foolish. Ridiculous. Edie knows that many of the things she’s planning to do violate her mother’s strict rules—gloriously so. Still, by accomplishing everything on the list, maybe she can become the effortlessly brave adventurer she dreams of being, just like her darling cousin and bold grandmother.

For this one summer at least, Edie knows that bad ideas are the best shot she has at becoming who she wants to be.

“Through Edie's candid voice, Stewart pens a bright, funny gem that charms with its spot-on sarcasm and wit. Readers will appreciate the clever way she re-creates the awkwardness of trying to figure yourself out. This middle-grade friendship book makes a fun, quick read.” —Kirkus Reviews

“With charm, wit, and just the right amount of awkwardness, Stewart offers a fresh take on the classic coming-of-age tale, one that remembers with ease a time when summer meant freedom and freedom meant finding yourself.” —Booklist