A Summer of Dragonflies

CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
23 Canadian Books for Tweens & Teens to Read this Fall – CBC Books
2026 The Children’s Book Council Middle-Grade Favorites

When her dad is chosen for a year-long teacher-exchange program, Gupta “Guppie” Persaud and her whole family packs up for a big move from Calgary to New York City. A new city sparks both new fears and new opportunities for Guppie, who’s ready to overcome her “terminal shyness” and become as brave as the heroes in her favorite books.

But first, she must survive the three-week summer road trip across America to their new temporary home. With no A/C in the van, no cell phones, and no escape from their technophobe parents’ old people music, Guppie hatches a plan with her brothers to secretly enter an online photography contest, where the top prize is new phones for the whole family.

Across scenic detours, excursions with another travelling family, and run-ins with a new nemesis who’s competing in the same contest, Guppie’s determined to prove she’s more than brave ― she’s a hero.

Deen’s engaging tale explores finding courage and embracing challenges … An entertaining take on the hero’s journey, with well-developed characters on a road trip to remember.
– Kirkus Reviews

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