Pearl Beach by Beth Steiner

Told in beautiful, free verse poetry, a teen girl’s heartwarming story about family, resilience, and growing up—perfect for Sarah Dessen fans, ages 11-14.

Billie and her Aunt Edith, a Holocaust survivor, may be generations apart—but what they share changes them forever.

For as long as Billie can remember, summer has meant one thing: Pearl Beach. The idyllic seaside home belonging to her old Aunt Edith, and the place where she met her best friend, Andy.

But this summer, everything seems to be changing. Andy is more interested in makeup and boys than in Billie, and Aunt Edith has decided to stay with them for the whole summer. Edith is a Holocaust survivor, and whenever Billie tries to talk to her, her words seem to crumble under the weight of this knowledge.

Then Edith begins to share her story. Because she was once 13 too, and understands all too well the pain of growing up. What follows is a tale of first love, betrayal, and resilience. As the summer unfolds, so does a profound friendship between Billie and Edith. They may be generations apart, but what they share will change both of them forever.

Pearl Beach is a contemporary novel written in free verse that perfectly captures the experience of becoming a young woman. Set in the stunningly realized landscape of the Australian coast, this heartwarming tale of friendship and family history is perfect for readers aged 11-14 on the journey of finding themselves and their place in the world.