Billie has just started Year 7. Her big brothers have tried to scare her with tales of Big School, but she knows she’ll find new friends and be in charge, like always. When her plans are seriously derailed by Ruby, who blurts to the whole class that Billie’s mum has passed away, Billie knows she needs to come up with a brilliant plan to get back on top. She chooses her mum for her Hero Project, and though she can’t remember much about her, Billie is sure some digging will undoubtedly reveal a mysterious and dazzling person – won’t it?

I absolutely adored Billie; she’s strong-willed, feisty and fun, but makes mistakes. Her family frequently made me laugh out loud and I couldn’t help a quiet tear towards the end. Perfect for kids aged 9 and up, this big-hearted book is filled with gorgeous, realistic characters and doesn’t shy away from big issues.

Jo Boyce