I’ve been reading a lot of books in verse lately, and they haven’t been letting me down. I’ll admit - my attention span is that of a toddler these days, so full-length novels are a bit much for me. When My Sister Started Kissing wasn’t too depressing or too romantic - it was just right. It’s a good story to read at the lake or as a mini-bookclub book with your sister. It’s short and sweet, and worth the read!

I was originally attracted to this book because of the cover and then even more when I discovered that it was written in various kinds of poetry. It's a good story, but not amazing as I had hoped.

Lovely middle grade coming of age story. This summer at the lake is very different from their usual summers for sisters Claire and Abi. They have a stepmom now, who is expecting a new baby, and Abi has gone a bit boy crazy. As Abi sneaks out, Claire is forced to cover for her, and finds a hard time dealing with how the relationship with her sister and her dad has changed.

Claire soon learns, however, that just because her family has changed doesn't mean that she can't be happy.

I read Helen Frost's newest on my Kindle, so I am looking forward to reading the book version next week to get a clearer look at the poetry! When My Sister Started Kissing is sure be popular with lake-going tweens, teens and anyone with summer on their minds.

E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Claire and Abigail love coming to the lake. It is a large part of their family, especially since their mother died there in a lightning strike. This year, their father has remarried, and their stepmother Pam is pregnant. Claire is also distressed that her sister, who wants to go by Abi, is more interested in boys than in hanging out with her, and is alarmed that Abi is not following the rules, but sneaking out to meet the boys. Both girls struggle with their new circumstances, but find a way to finally move on after their mother's death.
Strengths: I love Frost's poetry, and the fact that she uses forms and describes them at the back of the book. The poems are all very beautiful, and the characters are well developed. Summer stories, as well as romances, are always a good bet.
Weaknesses: Considering the girls were very young when their mother died (Claire was an infant), it seemed a bit odd that they were still thinking about her so much. The story of two sisters growing apart would have been enough of a downer without this facet.
What I really think: Conflicted. I don't think The Braid has circulated even once. This one might, but I'm debating.

This will appear on my blog on 3/10/17

The story is quiet and soothing, like a summer lake breeze. Claire is adjusting to so many changes: her father's new wife and their baby, her sister, Abigail, growing older, and Claire's own feelings as she matures over the summer. Told is several forms of poetry, this storynoffers more than a co,ing of age tale.