Sweetness and Lies by Karen McCombie (Children's, Reading age 8 years +, Intended age 8-12 years, Dyslexia friendly, 10/10E)

6 April 2013, Barrington Stoke, 68 pages, Paperback, Review copy

 

Themes: starting secondary school, being the only one going to a school from your friends, making new friends, ignoring your instinct, finding someone you prefer, trying to ignore the truth until you are forced to look at it, sitting with a friend in class, being with a friend on the bus, liars, telling tall stories,

Content: some sweet moments, humour, some nastiness, tissues needed

Summary from Barrington Stoke

Tilly has just started at her new secondary school and she’s the luckiest girl in the world – she’s found Mia, her new Best Friend Forever already! When Amber joins their class a few days later, Tilly thinks she might have found another friend, but Mia starts to act a little oddly - she says that Amber is a total liar. Who should Tilly believe?

Nayuleska's thoughts 

Tilly learns what makes a good friend a friend, and what makes a bad friend the wrong choice. This is a crucial lesson for everyone. It was hard for Tilly to get to grips with what sort of knew in her heart. Mia can be forceful, making it hard for Tia to do the right thing. While reading it I felt all the emotions Tilly and Amber felt. The end is so sweet that I cried over the last line. Definitely a feel good read, even though part of it makes you feel bad. True friendship conquers all! 

You can find out more on Karen's website. 

Suggested read

Karen has written other awesome, friendship based reads including the tissue needing Six Words and A Wish.