(Credit: Richard Jervis)

Natasha Deen’s latest novel, A Summer of Dragonflies, is a delightful, heartwarming, and hilarious read. The story follows the journey of 12-year-old (but almost 13) Gupta, affectionately known as a Guppie by her loved ones, as she navigates pre-teen-hood, friendship, family, big life changes, and what it truly means to be a hero. 

Deen masterfully develops unique, endearing characters: Guppie’s younger brother, Neo, knows everything about everything; her older brother Mani is a hopeless romantic; and her parents have their own unique quirks – Guppie’s mom is known for her Guyanese Mom Stare and making up stories about non-existent kids as cautionary tales. Second-generation readers will chuckle at these parental tactics they, too, may have experienced.

Guppie’s parents model vulnerability and accountability for their own shortfalls, while also encouraging their children to reach their potential. It’s a refreshing take on parenthood. Guppie’s relationship with her parents and brothers is one of laughter, frustration, honesty, mutual understanding, and respect – reflecting all the joys and challenges of being part of a loving family.

As the family takes a road trip from Calgary to their new home in Jamaica, Queens, Guppie is emboldened to embody the qualities of heroism, including being wise, helpful, funny, spontaneous, transformative, curious, and motivated. Guppie’s list challenges the reader to also reflect on what heroism looks like for them.

As the road trip progresses, “Old Gupta” makes way for “Brave Gupta.” Guppie takes small (big) steps to override her social anxiety and try new things. Throughout the novel, evocative apparitions of a dragon and dragonflies appear and disappear in Guppie’s world, symbolizing the fears, anxieties, and thoughts that arise when she’s faced with a daunting experience. Through one brave act after another, Guppie learns to befriend her dragon/dragonflies. In Deen’s capable hands, Guppie also embraces her own vulnerability and fallibility. She shares her frustrations in an email exchange with her former teacher and family friend, Mrs. Greene, who reminds her that she doesn’t have to be brave all the time to be a hero. It’s a reminder that will resonate with adults and youth alike.

A Summer Of Dragonflies is a magical read that encourages us to face our own dragons with a courageous, curious heart – and reminds us that we don’t have to do it alone.