Betty Vanderwielen

Climbing the tree to rescue the orphaned baby raccoons was just the beginning. From eye dropper to bottle feedings, from wiggling worms to pinching crayfish, from cage building to camping trips to final release–Lance’s summer was never so busy, or so bodaciously awesome. He could almost call it a perfect summer.

Except for the situation with his mom.

His mom who wants to adopt a human baby—a baby with Down syndrome…

Buy Raccoon Summer and join Lance on an adventure filled with joy, compassion, and personal growth.

Books, ebooks, and courses can be purchased online at Chicken Scratch Books. chickenscratchbooks.com

The book and ebook are also available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble books.

In Missoula at Fact & Fiction and The Book Exchange.

In Helena at Montana Book & Toy Company.

In Seeley Lake at the Grizzly Claw Trading Co. and Double Arrow Lodge.

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A heartwarming middle grade historical novel filled with baby raccoons and hope.

"Here are some of the things I loved about the book.
First of all, when they hand fed the baby racoons. Second, when they introduced their new habitat and last but not least, when they camped on the island. I am ten years old, this has been my favorite book to read so far!"

"Just the right balance of maturity and entertainment.... Heartwarming, emotionally balanced, filled with life lessons without beating you over the head."

"Kids who love animals will be fascinated with the descriptions of the emergency care and long-term care of the baby raccoons. Adults of kids who love animals will appreciate the no-excuses approach to responsibility. Multiple family conflicts run throughout this story, but the portrayal of stepparents is always positive. There is also a positive portrayal of a child living with Down Syndrome."

"Any kid who loves animals, especially wild ones, will love Raccoon Summer by Betty Vanderwielen.... In addition to caring for raccoons, Lance helps his neighbor move through the grieving process, comes to terms with his best friend’s out-of-state move, and copes with his mother’s desire to adopt a baby with special needs. Lance learns a lot and develops a lot of empathy before this story is over. The author provides a lot of details about what goes into raising wild animals and why wild animals shouldn’t be treated as pets. I think any child who is considering becoming a veterinarian, wild life biologist, or zoo keeper would be intrigued by this story.... The more controversial issues, like surrogate parenting and the treatment of special needs children are handled delicately and with a light hand. There is a sweetness and innocence to the book that is refreshing. I’d recommend Raccoon Summer to readers between fourth and sixth grade."

"This is a wonderful story and we’re right there with him as Lance struggles with one challenge after the other during his raccoon summer. Lance’s experiences are vividly drawn and help us understand what it takes to care for a wild animal. This book captured my imagination and I was rooting for Lance through every twist and turn. Raccoon Summer is a gentle coming of age story that celebrates second chances as we see Lance struggle with responsibility, loyalty, jealousy, friendship and love. I highly recommend it."