Time To Read

Real-life Issues

Massive by Julia Bell

Weight has always been a big issue in Carmen's life. Not surprising when her mum is obsessed with the idea that thin equals beauty, thin equals success, thin equals the way to get what you want. Carmen starts to ask: if she was thin, very thin, could it all be different? Narrated by a teenage girl with an eating disorder this is an immensely moving story. It's all the more tragic because her body issues are strongly influenced by her mother, who herself is obsessed with her weight.

Writing in the Sand by Helen Brandon

The Weight of a Thousand Feathers by Brian Conaghan Bobby Seed has questions. What's another word for 'thesaurus'? How can I tell Bel I want her as my girl friend, not my girlfriend? How much pain is Mum in today? Has she taken her pills? And sometimes, secretly, Why us? Ms Eldred says: “This is a wonderfully written book describing the life of a teenage carer, it has you gripped from the start. I found it hard to put down.”

Sixteen-year-old Amy is used to keeping secrets - about her mum's illness, her irresponsible sister and about her ex boyfriend Liam. But now Amy has a secret that cannot be kept. Should she tell the truth about the abandoned baby or keep quiet and live a lie...for ever? Mr Gormley says: “The story of a 16 year-old carer, plus the shock and aftermath of an unforeseen pregnancy is beautifully written. “