The path from childhood to young adulthood is neither easy nor straightforward, even for those with supportive family and friends. But for tenacious, thoughtful Bee (who’s mindful of looming environmental challenges facing the world) there are significant personal struggles as well: imminent puberty and the dreaded first period, adjustment to a large secondary school and lack of friendship in her year level.

She acutely misses her mum (currently seeking answers at an ashram in India), but Bee faces her own trials head on, diving into the deep end of life’s challenges. She finds self-assurance in competitive swimming, protection from the ‘mean girls’ from her friend ‘from forever’ Leon, and even a kind of comfort from her conversations with The Buddha.

CBCA award-winning author Pip Harry is a masterful storyteller. Through her skilful use of the verse novel format, and her economy of language with simple yet evocative metaphors, Harry draws the reader in with realistic characters and situations. I loved Bee’s resilience in her search for friendship and identity and her transition to young adulthood; her story is inspiring, honest and wonderfully funny. Readers ages 11 and up will be captivated; funny and relatable, Bee’s a protagonist they’ll want to hang out with.

Athina Clarke is the children’s book buyer at Readings Malvern.