0
    • Elementary Secondary Higher Ed Common Reads
    0 0
    Download high-resolution image
    Listen to a clip from the audiobook
    audio pause button
    0:00
    0:00

    The Summer of the Swans

    Author Betsy Byars
    Read by Alyson Silverman
    Listen to a clip from the audiobook
    audio pause button
    0:00
    0:00
    Audiobook Download
    Audio | Listening Library
    On sale Feb 20, 2018 | 2 Hours and 48 Minutes | 9780525596608
    Grades 3-7
    Reading Level: Lexile 830L
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    See Additional Formats
    A Newbery Medal Winner

    All summer Sara Godfrey has fretted over herself, her impossible body, her terrible new haircut. One moment she's elated, the next, she's in tears. And she can't figure out why. Maybe her wildly changing moods are tied to the sudden and unaccountable appearance of the swans, which hold the rapt attention of Charlie, Sara's mentally handicapped brother, who she loves far more than herself these days. In fact, it will be the sudden disappearance of Charlie that will compel Sara to abandon her own small, annoying miseries, and lose herself in searching for him. In her anguish, Sara turns to Joe Melby, whom she has long despised, and together they search through the dense woods and rough fields to find him. Sara knows that she will never be the same again.


    "A compelling story."—Publishers Weekly
    Betsy Byars is a Newbery Medal winner and a National Book Award winner. Her first children’s book was published in 1962, after it had been rejected nine times. Since then, her works have appeared on the best books lists of the American Library Association, School Library Journal, and American Bookseller. She is best known for her Blossom Family series and Summer of the Swans. View titles by Betsy Byars
    • WINNER
      Newbery Medal Winner

    About

    A Newbery Medal Winner

    All summer Sara Godfrey has fretted over herself, her impossible body, her terrible new haircut. One moment she's elated, the next, she's in tears. And she can't figure out why. Maybe her wildly changing moods are tied to the sudden and unaccountable appearance of the swans, which hold the rapt attention of Charlie, Sara's mentally handicapped brother, who she loves far more than herself these days. In fact, it will be the sudden disappearance of Charlie that will compel Sara to abandon her own small, annoying miseries, and lose herself in searching for him. In her anguish, Sara turns to Joe Melby, whom she has long despised, and together they search through the dense woods and rough fields to find him. Sara knows that she will never be the same again.


    "A compelling story."—Publishers Weekly

    Author

    Betsy Byars is a Newbery Medal winner and a National Book Award winner. Her first children’s book was published in 1962, after it had been rejected nine times. Since then, her works have appeared on the best books lists of the American Library Association, School Library Journal, and American Bookseller. She is best known for her Blossom Family series and Summer of the Swans. View titles by Betsy Byars

    Awards

    • WINNER
      Newbery Medal Winner

    Additional formats

    Other books in this series

    Other Books by this Author

    Related Articles

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources
    General

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month and educators are increasingly aware that integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum is critical if we want students to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Download the thematic educator guides on Teaching About Anxiety and Mindfulness and Teaching About Student Wellness. Explore our specially curated collections on

    Read more

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

    General
    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Book Covers: 9780593731703 MY DOCUMENTS (RH) 9780593804872 A GUARDIAN AND A THIEF (Knopf) 9780593298381 WHERE ARE YOU REALLY FROM (Penguin) 9781603095747 IT RHYMES WITH TAKEI (IDW)
    History Asian American Sociology Literature

    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

    Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Middle School titles AANHPI Creators – High School titles .

    Read more

    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

    History Asian American Sociology Literature

    Penguin Random House Secondary Education

    © 2026 Penguin Random House

    Back to Top
    0
    Wish List (0)