Ten-year-old Molly has always loved having a sister, but sisters are supposed to live together, right? Molly certainly thinks so. Unfortunately, her older half-sister Alison lives on a whole other continent. Their video chats are great, and Molly is thrilled when Alison’s hand-written letters arrive in the mail like surprise gifts. Still, it’s not enough, not compared to what other siblings have. That’s why when Molly finds out that Alison is finally coming to visit over the summer, she devises a plan she’s sure will get her sister to stay. But then Alison arrives with plans of her own, a fragile heart gets broken, and Molly stumbles upon a painful piece of her sister’s past. Molly has always loved having a sister, but this is the August when she’ll learn what it really means to be one.

Praise for August or Forever

“What a beautiful novel about sisterhood, about art, about hearts broken and hearts mended. August or Forever will forever chime inside my own heart.”

—Gayle Brandeis, author of My Life with the Lincolns

“In August or Forever, Ona Gritz has penned a beautiful novel about sisters. This spare, elegant story will resonate deeply with middle grade readers in its excavation of Molly’s hopes, disappointments, and inevitable growth as she reimagines her relationships in new ways. Exploring themes of friendship, family, and art, Gritz deftly captures the voice of her protagonist as this tender story unfolds, defying our notions about what it means to be a family.”

—Carol Dines, author of This Distance We Call Love and The Queen’s Soprano

“August or Forever tenderly conveys the dynamics of a ‘different’ kind of sibling relationship, one between half siblings raised thousands of miles apart. We cheer for its endearing ten-year-old protagonist, Molly, as she navigates through uncertainties and misunderstandings to discover that family love has a patient, enduring force.”

—Pamela Erens, author of Matasha

“Author Ona Gritz writes evocatively about sisters, families, belonging, and loss in this touching middle-grade novel. Readers will enjoy following ten-year-old Molly as she witnesses the power of art and navigates the challenges of shifting families and friendships during an August she’ll remember forever. A story that begs to be discussed and celebrated.”

—Kimberly Kenna, author of Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade

“August or Forever is a tender, graceful novel about sisterhood, friendship, and love. Ten-year-old Molly is a narrator in whom young readers will surely see themselves, with her longings, foibles, and authentic voice. Sweet rather than sentimental, spare but fully drawn, this book is sure to be treasured and read again.”

—Caren Lissner, author of Carrie Pilby

“August or Forever explores the complexity of sibling relationships. Ten-year-old Molly is a believable narrator whose longing to be closer to her older half-sister, Alison, rings true. As she learns to share her parents—and her bedroom—during an extended summer visit with Alison, Molly’s voice remains charming despite her flaws. Filled with a cast of well-drawn characters and settings, Gritz’s novel is an insightful read.”

—Laura Shovan, author of Takedown and With Saadia Faruqi, A Place at the Table

“In August or Forever, Ona Gritz introduces the relatable and artistic Molly, an ‘almost only lonely,’ who has long idolized her older half-sister, Alison, from afar. She is thrilled to learn that they will get to spend an entire month together when Alison flies over from England, and has the perfect plan to get her to stay forever, but reality can hardly live up to Molly’s exceedingly high expectations. Misbehavior and misunderstandings threaten to ruin her summer, but the bonds of sisterhood are not so easily broken. Through characters that readers will quickly grow to love, Gritz delivers a warm and tender celebration of friendship and family.”

—Suzanne Kamata, author of Indigo Girl and Pop Flies, Robo-pets and Other Disasters