The Summer Scrapbook: An Interview with Author Florence Migga

Adventure, friendship, growth. The Summer Scrapbook tests the bonds of three best friends, Ava, Becca, and Cat, as they tackle their first summer apart. They vow to stay in touch through letters and collect souvenirs of their experiences to compile into a joint scrapbook at the end of the summer. As the girls step out of their comfort zones—and out of the roles they each play in the trio—they find themselves and their friendship changing and growing.

Author Florence Migga joins us today to share her experience writing the book, her creative choices, and her hopes for young readers. Read on to download a free discussion guide!

How would you describe your book in a couple of sentences?

The Summer Scrapbook is a story about all the best parts of growing up—the messy and the magical. It’s about friendship most of all, but it’s also about romantic and familial love, taking risks, and discovering new parts of yourself.

What do you think makes this book stand out?

It was important to me to center young Black girls growing into themselves in a fun story full of opportunities and adventures. I also wanted to write for the readers right in between middle grade and YA—those who crave something a little more complex than a middle grade read appropriate for eight-to-ten-year-olds, but who aren’t quite ready for a YA novel with a seventeen-year-old protagonist and their issues.

Why did you choose London as Ava’s summer destination?

I actually had a summer similar to Ava’s! (Sadly, without the romance.) My family did a home exchange in the summer between my eighth and ninth grade years, and we stayed in a flat in east London. From a storytelling perspective, I wanted Ava to spend time in a place different from where she grew up, but one that could still end up feeling like a home to her as long as the right people were around.

So is this book based on your life, then?

No! The girls’ stories are definitely theirs alone. That being said, I did draw on some of my experiences for background information and emotional context. In addition to that summer I spent in London, I did go to summer camp for several years, both as a camper and as a leader. I did do group dates with my friends. And sleepovers were my favorite things. I have so many great stories and memories from sleepovers with my friends.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope they’ll have a good time reading it! I love reading books about breaks in the school year, whether it’s the winter holiday break in December or summer vacation. The possibilities for fun and adventure seem limitless! When I sat down to write The Summer Scrapbook, I was in the mood for that light feeling of warmth, laughter, and long days open to any possibilities. I had a blast writing it, and I hope that feeling translates. I want readers to have just as much fun while spending the summer with Ava, Becca, and Cat.

Free Educator Resources

help young readers grow into their own with these questions! Download the free discussion guide below or from the Lerner website.

Praise for The Summer Scrapbook

“This novel celebrates self-discovery and the power of friendship.”—Booklist

“An engaging novel about friendship, self-confidence, and trust.”—Kirkus Reviews

“The group’s alternating viewpoints—enhanced by multimedia ephemera, such as the trio’s letters to one another, personal notes, and ticket stubs—offer an intimate look at growing independence and an affirming portrait of friendship in transition.”—Publishers Weekly

“Migga excellently captures the voice of girls in the summer between middle and high school . . . A classic coming-of-age friendship tale, this is an easy sell, especially to those in similar shoes as the main characters.'”—School Library Journal

Connect with the Author

Florence Migga is an author based in southern Florida. She is the creator of the book review blog Book Nerds Across America. The blog remains active after ten years, and you can still find her and her friends sharing reviews of books, bookish movies, and bookish events. The Summer Scrapbook is her debut novel.