Christy is on the cusp of turning 11, and she is still struggling to fit in at school and find a true friend. In her school class there is another girl with the same name – a louder, more popular Christy, who is often mean. How Christy is able to turn this relationship around and find her place in the classroom is the plot of this gentle book about female friendship.

Christy and her grandpa have come to Australia from Cambodia after her mum died. Her grandfather in particular is still suffering from the after-effects, manifesting in an obsession with cleanliness. Luckily, Christy’s aunt lives nearby and they spend time together baking. Christy learns that giving food is a powerful way to win the hearts of her classmates.

The Other Christy doesn’t play for laughs like many of Phommavanh’s titles, but it is written with great compassion and an understanding of the emotional whirlwind of classroom politics. Readers aged between 9 and 11 who enjoy stories about friendship will have plenty to keep them turning the pages.

Angela Crocombe