Genius Summer

Millie, a 16-year-old valedictorian in her school, has had multiple invitations to top colleges around the country. Her family are always busy and she has often helped look after her young siblings. Millie uses her obligation to her family as an excuse to not make a decision and commit to any of these universities. During the summer Millie’s grandmother cares for her and her siblings while Millie is constantly challenged about which college she should attend. During her stay she discovers an old diary while searching the attic. The diary is dated 1865 and is written by a 15-year-old girl who lost her parents to cholera. Millie becomes completely engaged in the inspiring story of 15-year-old Synthia who embarks on a treacherous journey over many months to take herself and her two siblings to their uncle’s farm for a new start. As Millie reads about Synthia’s journey she parallels her older sister role and is inspired by the courage of a girl who had to carry such great responsibility.