3 Willows : the Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares

Ama, Polly, and Jo are as different as can be, except that they all just have one more summer before they start high school and that they have known each other their whole lives. Ama struggles through an outdoor wilderness adventure – for school credit, or course. In between babysitting, Polly worries about her weight and the growing distance between her mother and herself. And Jo is spending the summer working at the beach, avoiding her family, and gravitating toward an attractive distraction. As all three girls go off in separate directions for the summer, they learn more about themselves and each other and begin to come to terms with the fact that they are growing up and becoming independent. Their journeys are paralleled by the growth of the willow tree through scattered imagery and the mention of some fun facts: The roots of the willow tree are remarkable for their strength and tenacious hold on life. The girls wonder if their friendship has a place in their lives, while striving to figure out where they fit into the world.

There isn’t anything super-special here, but those who loved – or who had big sisters who loved – The Sisterhood series, won’t want to miss this one.

Recommended for older middle grade and high school readers.
Call number: YA BRASHARES (Teen Room)

reviewed by kate the librarian