60 Pounds of Honey, young Benny thought she would never recover from the terrifying day she accidentally destroyed a beehive and was stung hundreds of times. What she didn’t expect was that one mistake would lead her into a world she never understood before, the hidden, fascinating life of honey bees.
Sent back to the very place of her fear, Benny begins working with Mr. Gilman, a calm and patient beekeeper who introduces her to the “girls” of the hive. As Benny slowly learns about queen bees, worker bees, swarms, and the delicate balance of nature, her fear begins to transform into curiosity, respect, and responsibility.
From cleaning damaged hives to witnessing the arrival of a new queen by mail, and even capturing a wild swarm to build her own hive, Benny discovers that bees are not just insects, they are a family with purpose, structure, and survival instincts that mirror life itself.
But this is more than just a story about bees. It’s a journey of healing, friendship, and facing fears. Alongside her friends Tommy, Jaxon, and Cody, Benny learns that mistakes don’t define you, how you respond to them does.
Perfect for middle-grade readers, this heartwarming and educational adventure blends real beekeeping science with emotional storytelling. Summer of the Secret Deal will inspire young readers to overcome fear, respect nature, and discover the hidden beauty in the world around them.