Caterpillar Summer summary

The Beginning of a Journey

In Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn, we meet Cat and her little brother, Chicken. Cat has taken on the role of caretaker for Chicken, who has been diagnosed with nonverbal autism. Their mom works hard to provide for them, and Cat is the one who looks after Chicken. The two siblings share a unique bond, and Cat is always there to comfort Chicken when he gets upset.

As the summer begins, Cat is looking forward to spending time with her best friend, but their plans are disrupted when their mom decides to send Chicken to spend time with their estranged grandparents. Cat is not pleased about this decision, but she has no choice but to accompany her brother to the remote island where their grandparents live.

Unexpected Discoveries

Once on the island, Cat and Chicken are introduced to their grandparents, who are initially distant and unwelcoming. Cat soon learns about the strained relationship between her mother and her grandparents, which has kept them apart for years. She also discovers more about her own father, who passed away when she was younger, and the reasons behind the family's estrangement.

Despite the initial tension, Cat gradually begins to form a bond with her grandparents, especially with her grandfather. She also learns about her father's love for the island and his childhood adventures, which gives her a new perspective on her own family history. Meanwhile, Chicken seems to be thriving in the new environment, enjoying the island's natural beauty and the slower pace of life.

Challenges and Growth

As the summer progresses, Cat faces several challenges. She struggles to balance her responsibilities towards Chicken with her desire for independence. She also has to deal with the revelation that her father, whom she idolized, was not as perfect as she had believed. However, these challenges also lead to personal growth, as Cat learns to accept her family's imperfections and embrace her own.

Meanwhile, Chicken's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and Cat realizes that he is finding it difficult to cope with the changes. She feels torn between her loyalty to her brother and her desire to explore the island and make new friends. However, her love for Chicken ultimately wins, and she chooses to prioritize his well-being over her own desires.

A Summer of Healing

In the latter part of Caterpillar Summer, Cat and Chicken's mom visits the island, and the family has a heartfelt reunion. They have difficult conversations and start to heal the wounds that have kept them apart. Cat also helps her mom and grandparents reconcile, and the family begins to mend the broken relationships of the past.

As the summer draws to a close, Cat realizes that the island has become a special place for her and Chicken. She has come to appreciate the beauty of the island and the warmth of her grandparents. She also understands that her role as Chicken's caretaker is an important part of who she is, and she accepts it with love and grace.

The End and New Beginnings

In the end, Cat and Chicken return home, but they carry with them the memories and lessons from their eventful summer. Cat is more confident and mature, and she feels more connected to her family than ever before. She also has a new appreciation for Chicken's unique qualities and understands that he, too, has a lot to teach her.

Caterpillar Summer is a heartwarming tale of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery. It beautifully captures the complexities of sibling relationships and the challenges of growing up in a family affected by autism. The story ends with a sense of hope and new beginnings, as Cat and Chicken continue their journey, stronger and more resilient than before.