This is the story about thirteen-year-old Berry Jackson and how she grew up in the small town of Pinetta, Florida.  She includes details about her parents, brothers and neighbors. 

Berry tells us about how her mother would feed the hobos who migrated through Pinetta.  She would always manage to give them something to eat whether it was a tuna fish sandwich, or last night's meatloaf.

A tornado devastates the town of Pinetta and at the same time, Berry's father disappears.  He happens to be a school principal.   Is he dead?  Did he run off with a woman?  Convicts are sent to the town to help with rebuilding.  Among the convicts is a very handsome man named Raymond.  Raymond helped save Berry's life and she develops a crush on him.  In fact, quite a few of the people in town have learned to like him.

To make matters more interesting, Berry's mother has a crush on the preacher. 

What lessons does Berry learn as she grows into adulthood?

This is a very warm and touching story of a teenager growing up in a small town.  The time period also makes for an interesting read.  As the title suggests, this is one summer this small town will not forget.  The author, Nanci Kincaid, does an excellent job of telling this story from the point of view of a thirteen year old.  This book is highly recommended.

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE REVIEWER, NANCY EATON