Excerpt from Cicada Summer

Cicada Summer, written by Andrea Beaty, tells the story of a young girl named Clara and her summer in rural Missouri with her grandmother. In this excerpt, Clara is about to embark on a road trip with her grandmother and is filled with a sense of adventure and anticipation.

Clara was filled with a sense of excitement as her grandmother started the car. The engine roared to life, and they were off on their first adventure together. She couldn’t wait to explore the sights and sounds of the open road. The sun shone through the windows, warming her face and fueling her enthusiasm.

As they drove, Clara’s grandmother regaled her with stories of their family’s past. She recounted tales of her own childhood in the small town and told Clara about the family’s history of working in the cotton fields. Clara was so entranced by the stories that she hardly noticed the miles passing by.

As the car rolled into town, Clara was amazed by the sights and sounds of the unfamiliar place. She watched as people went about their daily lives, shopping for groceries, chatting with neighbors, and walking the streets. She felt like she was in a different world, and the thrill of the unknown kept her on the edge of her seat.

Clara and her grandmother stopped for lunch at a small diner. There, Clara met a young girl named Halle who was visiting from the city. Halle shared stories of her own life in the city as they ate, and Clara was amazed by the differences between their lives. She was inspired by Halle’s courage and ambition and vowed to follow her example.



Clara’s summer was filled with adventure, new experiences, and a greater understanding of her own family’s history. Through her journey, she discovered the beauty of the small town and the courage of the people who lived there. By the end of the summer, she had gained a newfound appreciation for the place she called home and the people who lived there.