Waiting for the Wind (Rhubarb Lemonade)

Waiting for the Wind (Rhubarb Lemonade)

Oskar Kroon

Original Title
Vänta på vind
Published
Brombergs Bokförlag, 2019
Genre
Fiction 9-12
Pages
205
Rights Sold
German
Macedonian
Dutch
Italian
Norwegian
Turkish
Albanian
Czech
Danish
Persian
English
Tags
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Waiting for the Wind (Rhubarb Lemonade)

Oskar Kroon

Vinga dreams of the sea. She’s going to be a sailor when she grows up, sailing to distant harbors and maybe save a shipwrecked or two. At home in town, mom is sad and dad has left for good. But finally it’s summer with granddad on the island and everything else feels distant, granddad has given Vinga an old gig that she is going to make seaworthy. On the island everything is as usual, but at the same time not really. The heat vibrates during the day, and suddenly a girl with a black hat starts appearing where Vinga has her gig. Her name is Ruth. The only thing they seem to have in common is their age and that they are on the island for the summer. But it turns out to be much more.

Waiting for the Wind is a gripping story for middle grade readers about an unsual summer when childhood comes to an end. With much empathy and heart, Oscar Kroon writes about how Vinga learns to hold her course during the storm of farewells, newfound friendship and a stranded whale.

Press voices

This coming-of-age story is beautifully observed.” The Daily Express, UK

It’s a such a joy that Waiting for the Wind receives the August Prize, because this is how the really good children’s books are told: carefully and with easy steps, where the everyday events have a greater meaning and the child exists as part of a larger world. Swedish picture and young adult books have long held a high level, but here Oskar Kroon shows that even middle-grade titles can reach beyond what is usual.” Lotta Olsson, Dagens Nyheter

Kroon’s linguistic values, empathy, timing, eye for depiction and supporting characters make the book as delightful as a rowboat made with love for every element of the craft.” Daniel Sjölin

A beautiful, existential story about growth and change.” Dagens Nyheter

Vänta på vind is a seamless children’s book.” Josefin Jansson, JP

Books by the same author

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Awards
Winner of the August Prize 2019

The jury's motivation

There is much to love about Waiting for the Wind. Primarily the ease of the language, the poetic density and precision in tone. But also, the beautiful depiction of main character Vinga and her grandfather, two willful solitaries, portrayed with warmth far from any stereotyping. Strong but alone, Vinga grows in her work with repairing and launching a boat, and in the deepening friend and love relationship with the peer Rut.

Nominated for the Yoto Carnegie 2023

Selected for the Vlag en Vimpels 2021 (The Netherlands), category 12-15

“Waiting for the Wind is a sweltering holiday story about dealing with confusing feelings, keeping emotions to yourself, saying goodbye, and finding a new way of seeing yourself. This is beautiful children’s literature that stimulates not just the senses but also the imagination.” - The Griffeljury