“Mark’s novel will appeal to both a middle-grade and YA audience, as it discusses its heavy topics with finesse and warmth. It’s a compelling blend of a teenage romance and a tale of attempting to make a difference in the world at large. . . . A well-balanced and wide-ranging story for young readers.”
—Kirkus Review

“Mixing a teenage romance with political and environmental commentary, The Year Without a Summer is an inspiring novel.”
—Foreword Reviews 

“A wonderful and captivating read about courage, commitment, and the power to make a difference at any age. Don't go another day without reading The Year Without a Summer.”
—Howard Roughan, New York Times best-selling author

“A touching story that intertwines the complex dynamics of both our relationships and the climate system . . . reminding us of the power of curiosity and scientific discovery in forging a better life. The rich storyline reminds me of my own love of skiing at a young (and older!) age.”
—John Fasullo, PhD Project Scientist, National Center for Atmospheric Research

“What will happen if empathy vanishes and we only consider our own limited points of view? This timely book is an engaging contribution to young people's understanding of global warming, raising important, interesting, and powerful questions for young readers. The Year Without a Summer demonstrates vividly that people are more than what they seem, and that everyone has a heartache.”
—Selene Castrovilla, author of Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America

“Two main characters from different cultures discover their ordinary but differing views about lots of things. I love how they find ways to disagree, even agree sometimes, and summon courage to face all that comes their eighth grade way, including natural, man-made, and family disasters. I couldn’t put the novel down.”
—Miguel Garcia-Colon, Greenwich Library, Byram Shubert Branch Manager

“Mark’s novel will appeal to both a middle-grade and YA audience, as it discusses its heavy topics with finesse and warmth. It’s a compelling blend of a teenage romance and a tale of attempting to make a difference in the world at large. . . . A well-balanced and wide-ranging story for young readers.”
—Kirkus Review

“Mixing a teenage romance with political and environmental commentary, The Year Without a Summer is an inspiring novel.”
—Foreword Reviews 

“A wonderful and captivating read about courage, commitment, and the power to make a difference at any age. Don't go another day without reading The Year Without a Summer.”
—Howard Roughan, New York Times best-selling author

“A touching story that intertwines the complex dynamics of both our relationships and the climate system . . . reminding us of the power of curiosity and scientific discovery in forging a better life. The rich storyline reminds me of my own love of skiing at a young (and older!) age.”
—John Fasullo, PhD Project Scientist, National Center for Atmospheric Research

“What will happen if empathy vanishes and we only consider our own limited points of view? This timely book is an engaging contribution to young people's understanding of global warming, raising important, interesting, and powerful questions for young readers. The Year Without a Summer demonstrates vividly that people are more than what they seem, and that everyone has a heartache.”
—Selene Castrovilla, author of Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America

“Two main characters from different cultures discover their ordinary but differing views about lots of things. I love how they find ways to disagree, even agree sometimes, and summon courage to face all that comes their eighth grade way, including natural, man-made, and family disasters. I couldn’t put the novel down.”
—Miguel Garcia-Colon, Greenwich Library, Byram Shubert Branch Manager

Arlene Mark grew up in western Pa. steel country before making her way to NYC to begin her career. After working in fashion, marrying, and committing to her family, she lived in London, Caracas, and Toronto with husband and three children before settling in CT. She has an MA in special education, a certification in school psychology and interned at NY State Psychiatric Institute. Her work has appeared in Highlights for Children, Spider, Skipping Stones, Adolescence, Their World, and Greenwich Magazine. She is the author of To the Tower, A Greenwich Adventure, coauthor of Paraverbal Communication with Children: Not Through Words Alone and has served as a Greenwich Time contributing editor writing articles about children’s emotional lives. Her eight grandchildren are enthusiastic fans. When not writing, Arlene can be found lobstering with her husband, Reuben, visiting schools in Asia and Latin America, reading (mostly books for kids), and screening new films.