June 2010

Author/s: Julia Clarke
Publisher: Oxford University Press UK
Reviewed by: Katlego Shai Age: 14
ISBN 13: 9780192755902

This book is basically about love towards others and gives a guideline about love issues and friendship. There is a lovely girl in the story called Jade who is kind and friendly – a girl who always fights for what she loves. She loves her caring parents so much, and her special one, Jack. She has a beautiful dog by the name of Murphy. Her dad loves the dog very much. Jack and Jade are best friends and never kept secrets from each other but Jack had a secret that he was afraid to tell.

Sybil is featured in the story as being a jealous girl. She is jealous of Jade and the relationship she has with her parents. She is cruel and selfish but pretty. The moment she saw Jack, she felt like someone has just phoned and told her that she has won a trip to go overseas. She always acted cheeky and that made her popular at school. She could do anything to make Jack comfort her and get his attention. Jade didn’t like it at all. She hated Sybil to death and she worked on her nerves but pretended to like her. Finn was the boy who grew up with Jade in a small town but then she had to move away with her parents, and now they met again. He is as handsome as Jack and friendly. He came to Jade’s rescue as he was there for her always.

The story is interesting to read because it uses clear language that suits my level and also suitable for teenagers who face many challenges as they grow up and how they should react when faced with those challenges. It brings the message that we must never give up when battling to get what we want and most importantly, to respect elders because they know what is good and bad for us. I loved Jade because she stands firm for her needs.

I therefore recommend this book to all teenagers.

Link to online catalogue
Between You and Me