The Awkward Autumn of Lily McLean by Lindsay Littleson (Children's, 9 years +, 10/10E)

Funky cover!

 March 2017, Kelpies, 192 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Floris Books

 Telling people you hear voices doesn't win you many friends. Especially when you're starting high school. Especially when everyone thinks you're just like your troublemaking big sister.
Lily's hoping to put all the madness of the previous summer behind her but with serious friend dramas, nasty rumours and a big sister who might end up in jail, the last thing Lily wants is to start up that weird psychic stuff again. But it might be her only hope...

Nayu's thoughts 

I'd read Lily's fist book a few years ago (see suggested read) and enjoyed it a lot. While I didn't remember much (I've read a lot of books over the past few years), I felt at home with Lily and her crazy family. She doesn't have the easiest time, not simply because she's a teen but since her older sister Jenna is a very moody teen it's Lily who is left to mind her little brothers when they aren't terrorising her grandmother. I like the style of the story, with each chapter starting with a few bullet points which indicate the chapter's content and display Lily's personality. We had the same views on quite a few things, making me like her even more. 

Her psychic ability is a bit odd, but it feels completely realistic, never once taking me out from being immersed in the tale. I think it's good that it's not an entirely reliable power, that Lily has to work at it, just as she has to (eventually) work at discovering the nasty note writer's identity. I was shocked by who it turned out to be, which always makes me like a book (when I can't guess what will happen next). I liked that the trouble with Jenna was deeper than it first appeared, and how Lily dealt with the issue. Jenna is a likable character - yes she is stroppy and goes off the rails but she eventually sees sense, and although she doesn't understand what's going on with Lily, she is grateful her sister is watching out for her, even if she denies that fact. 

I felt really sorry for Lily when she was being bullied. The notes knock her confidence in her best friend, make her doubt herself, and for a while makes her life unpleasant. I feel the way Lily dealt with the issue was realistic - many wouldn't do the sensible thing and tell someone for a long time. Her mother's reaction when she finds out was a 'yay' moment. The different types of friendship are explored, reasons for a mean girl's behaviour is revealed (and sadly so often very true) which doesn't excuse the behaviour but gives Lily a bit more understanding. 

I'm looking forward to the next book in Lily's life (if there is one). 

Find out more on Lindsay's website. 

Suggested read

Be sure to read Lily's first book, The Mixed-Up Summer of Lily McLean by Lindsay Littleson (Children's, 9 years +, 10/10E)