Bookrate

A fresh, funny and very contemporary take on puberty, first periods and relationships from the CBCA award-winning author of The Little Wave.Bridget 'Bee' Ballentine is 12 and starting her first year of high school in the beach suburb Crescent Bay.Still reeling from the departure of her mother for an ashram in India, Bee talks to Buddha and begs for her first period not to arrive. She's not ready to become a woman yet, whatever that means.Although Bee's yet to find her tribe at school, her best friend forever is surfer Leon McKay, also known as the hottest boy in Year Eight. As long as Leon has her back, Bee can survive the mean girls, her meddling step-mum, Kath, and her swimming nemesis, The Piranha.Over one blistering summer, set against the backdrop of bushfires, smoke haze and water restrictions, Bee will grow up, show up, and make a name for herself."In the tradition of Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, this is a coming-of-age story about Bridget, a 12-year-old navigating year 7, first periods and boys. Written in a lyrical verse style, this book will appeal to girls looking for a compassionate glimpse of what’s to come. With competitive swimming and mean girls thrown in, Bridget is a fine role model of a girl learning to stand her ground." Heather, Dymocks Waurn Ponds'Fresh, authentic, poignant, light and dark by turns - I wish I'd read this when I was growing up.' JANE GODWIN'This is the book I wish I'd read when I was twelve! Entering high school, dealing with bullies, changing friendships... a turmoil of emotions and a wonderful resilient character to lead us through.' BREN MACDIBBLE