Summer Girls

Because of her wealthy parents’ occupations, Birdie Gordon is used to being in the spotlight: her lifestyle influencer mother has staged and documented Birdie’s entire life on social media, while her real estate developer father makes his fortune buying and flipping buildings in working-class neighborhoods. One of those neighborhoods is teenage lifeguard Cassandra Adler’s beachside town. When Birdie crashes her car while livestreaming, her dad bans Birdie from driving, social media, parties, and traveling; forces her to get a summer job; and enlists Cass to watch over her for the season. The girls immediately clash: Cass views Birdie as a spoiled gentrifier, and Birdie sees Cass as a know-it-all hypocrite. Still, their forced proximity soon deepens into a real connection, and sparks fly. But cultivating a romantic relationship is harder than anticipated, as their attitudes about their differences threaten to tear them apart. Though the portrayal of parent influencers and their impact on their children is somewhat two-dimensional, nuanced discussions of gentrification levied by the girls’ charming romance balance out this sweet and summery beach read by Dugan (Playing for Keeps). Both girls cue as white. Ages 12–up. (May)