This novel-in-verse might float like a butterfly, but it pulls no punches in this, at times, brutal exploration of bullying and body-image. Protagonist Lily starts as friendless and in despair but finds strength in her family and, ultimately, the boxing ring.
The writing hooks you in straightaway, the sparse words punching above their weight and pulling you into a clinch. For fans of Sarah Crossan this is a must-read.
Literally poetry of motion, this novel-in-verse follows the trails, trials and tribulations of court-crazy twins Josh and Jordan, and their equally basketball-obsessed father Chuck. It is stunningly written, allowing the sound and shape of words (as much as their meaning) to bring the high school setting to life. There are few words to the poages, meaning the pace is as fast as the sports matches it describes, but each word is chosen with care and sizzles with atmosphere.
Themes of jealousy, identity, family, trust and resilience make this a universal story for all, regardless of whether you know the difference between a lay off and an alley-oop. Recommended.
It begins as a quest to find an absent father, but turns into something else…
Written by Margaret Mahy, one of the New Zealand’s most prolific and best-loved writers, this Young Adult novel stars Angela, daughter of hippy single-mum Dido. In trying to find her father and, thus, herself, she comes to find something else in her best friend, the geeky, star-gazing Tycho…
It’s a lovely, uplifting read, for fans of John Green and Jandy Nelson.