Kate Maryon

I have to confess I picked this book up out of desperation. I'd been reading Lionboy for my Chatterbooks group, but I couldn't get enough copies of it. I needed a book I could get 6 copies of in two days, and there were two on the shelf in our branch. A quick check showed four more on shelves in nearby branches, so I put in an urgent request.
I don't like giving out books to the group without having read them first, in case they aren't really suitable. My immediate reservation was highlighted when the boys declared 'but this is a girl's book!'
Having read the book, I'm not sure I'd have chosen it for the group. The theme is a bit 'adult' for the majority of the members. I'd almost put it as a teen title, were it not for the
SPOILER ALERT
happy ending.

It will make for some good discussions though. Not least of which being whether or not it is really a 'girly' book. Would the story really be all that different if the protagonist were Gabriel, not Gabrielle? And the issues raised are ones that young children need to be aware of.

All in all, I'm really glad I stumbled on this one.… (más)

Liberty's family is super-rich but when her dad loses his job, she has to learn that not all that glitters is gold!The sparkling new novel from the author of SHINE. Liberty Parfitt is sure there's more to life than getting good exam results and earning lots of money. Unfortunately her super-rich, workaholic dad doesn't agree - he thinks Liberty's passion for music is a total waste of time. But when Dad loses his job and falls into a deep depression, Liberty's talent may be the one thing that can save him. The second novel from Kate Maryon - a sparkling new voice for tween girls.… (más)