stopping her family from going under. Her dad can no longer work due to a back injury and the threat of losing their home hangs heavy. When confident, privileged, Annabel also starts work at the library Joni instantly dislikes her. Life for Annabel must surely be perfect and easy! As Joni gradually gets to know Annabel, the girls discover that they have much more in common than they originally thought. Gregory carefully delves into issues of class and money as the two teenagers navigate their new relationship. The explosive finale is exciting, politically charged, thought-provoking and ultimately full of tenderness. A passionate, emotional and enriching novel about love, difference and bravery.


Dr Rudine Sims Bishop talks about books being ‘mirrors’, a reflection of our own experiences and lives. However, she also talks about the importance of books providing ‘sliding doors’ for readers, where we can step through and, using our imagination, experience someone else’s life. It is important that our children are never excluded from the literary space – that they are never ‘othered’ or feel devalued because of who they love and their sexuality. All children deserve to see themselves in the books and stories they read. They should also read about experiences, lives and relationships which are different from their own. We need to allow children the opportunity to talk about the social structures and diverse range of relationships in books. Our questioning should allow children to make what Keene and Zimmerman (1997) call ‘text to self’ and ‘text to world’ connections. By making these connections they will know that they are not alone. They have the ability to improve the world around them as books and “fabulous” stories can provide them with “a repertoire of tactics for future use” (de Certeau in Ewick and Silbey, 1998). PEN&INC.


writes. Could he have been swallowed by a whale, captured by pirates or lying on a beach somewhere, as his friends bluntly suggest? Ingrid Godon’s beautiful landscapes, full of empty sand dunes, stormy skies and twinkling stars, capture the melancholic longing experienced by Matt. Whilst the book’s humorous title might suggest their love might be a casual affair, the relationship between Matt and his beloved Sailor is presented as something that is natural and enduring. The whimsical ending is touching, up-lifting and poignant.


The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta and Anshika Khullar A fierce, poetic, moving coming-of-age story, told in verse, perfect for teenage readers. Drag artist and poet Dean Atta was recently named by the Independent on Sunday as one of the most influential LGBT people in the community. In The Black Flamingo he sensitively tells the story of a young, brave mixed-race gay teen called Michael. Abandoned by his father, Michael feels like a ‘bad egg that was not meant to be’. Even though Michael’s supportive mother and sister love his ‘colour and flamboyance’ and never belittle his difference, he still feels separate. Confusion, fear and anger propels much of his decision making in the early parts of the story. Atta chronicles Michael’s painful journey to self-discovery and acceptance as he finds his wings as a drag artist at university. There’s plenty of fabulous, rousing scenes to inspire, amuse and move. Lyrical, direct, honest and witty, The Black Flamingo is a breath-taking exploration of race, identify, sexuality and gender.


Skylarks by Karen Gregory Gregory has just released her new book, I Hold Your Heart, a thrilling examination of gaslighting in teenage relationships. Her previous novel, Skylarks, aimed at Young Adults is an up- lifting and compelling story about a relationship which blossoms between Joni and Annabel. Hard-working, tenacious, Joni is employed at the local library and does everything she can from


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