Gemini Summer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gemini Summer
Written by Iain Lawrence in 2006

Gemini Summer is an exciting children's book written by Canadian author Iain Lawrence. It won the 2007 Governor General's Awards for Children's Literature. This means it was recognized as one of the best books for young readers in Canada.

The story is about a young boy who learns to deal with a very sad event. His brother is lost in a tragic accident. Set in the summer of 1964, the book starts with a mystery. A boy named Danny and his dog, Rocket, are found far from home. The sheriff tries to figure out how they got there.

What Happens in the Story?

The book tells the story of two young brothers, Beau and Danny. They spend all their time together during a fun summer. They have a secret fort where they talk about their dreams. They have a daily routine and stick to it.

As Beau gets older, he feels a bit embarrassed about his father's job. His dad pumps septic tanks for a living. Even so, Beau always promises Danny they will go to their fort every Sunday. They always keep this promise.

One night, the boys are playing near a pit dug by Old Man River. Suddenly, Beau falls into the pit and is badly hurt. Mrs. River rushes over when she hears Danny's screams. This is a very difficult time for the River family. They all grieve together after Beau's death.

A few months later, a hurt stray golden retriever wanders into their yard. Danny doesn't want anything to do with the dog at first. It reminds him too much of his brother. But Mrs. River wants to keep the dog to help it get better.

After a week, Danny decides he wants to keep the dog. He looks into its eyes and feels like he sees his brother Beau looking back. From then on, Danny spends every day with the dog. They do all the brotherly things he and Beau used to do. Danny tries to tell his parents that Beau has come back as a dog. He tells them it's okay to be sad. However, they don't believe him.

One day, the dog, now named Rocket, bites another boy. The police want to take Rocket away. Danny won't let this happen. He and Rocket run away to follow a dream Beau always had. They want to meet the famous astronaut Gus Grissom. In the end, Danny is returned home. He gets to keep his dog forever. He still believes his brother really did come back in the body of this stray dog.

Main Characters

Beau

Beau is a young boy who dreams of becoming an astronaut. He knows many facts about space. He loves spending time with his brother, Danny. They talk about their dreams and go to their fort every Sunday. His dreams are cut short by a terrible accident.

Danny

Danny is the younger brother. His biggest dream is to have a dog. His mother always says the city is not a good place for a dog. He finally gets a dog when a stray wanders into their yard. This happens a few months after Beau's death.

Old Man River

Old Man River pumps septic tanks for a living. This was the job he was given in the military. When he came home, it was all he knew how to do. He felt a bit ashamed to tell his boys about his job. They believed he fought in the war.

Mrs. River

Mrs. River is a Southern woman. She dreams of becoming an author. She secretly writes a novel in the basement. She collects Gone With the Wind dolls. She dreams of moving "home" to the South. However, she has never been south of Virginia.

Awards and Honors

• 2007 Governor General's Award
• 2007 PNBA Book Award
• 2007 Bank Street College Best Book