If you’re a high school nerd with a severe case of social anxiety, there’s nothing quite so liberating as going somewhere completely new, where no-one knows who you are. That’s the first lesson 14-year-old Nelson learns in Gabriel Bergmoser’s newest YA novel, The True Colour of a Little White Lie.

When Nelson’s parents start working at the local ski lodge, he gets the chance to reinvent himself, relishing the opportunity to ski and read books every weekend without having to hide from bullies. Soon enough, things get even better when Nelson’s new-found confidence helps him befriend two girls whose families visit the lodge on alternating weekends. Trouble is, Nelson’s attempts to impress the girls leaves him caught in a chaotic web of white lies, half-truths and delicate omissions that propel him into a terrifying ski race and some hard conversations. That’s when Nelson learns his second lesson: that honesty is sometimes the best policy.

The True Colour of a Little White Lie is a light-hearted romp with a big heart – a story for every self-proclaimed loser who finds themselves wanting more from life. Whether it was the incredibly cosy setting of the ski lodge, or the cast of vibrant characters who felt like they lived beyond the page, I loved following Nelson on his journey of self-discovery and seeing him learn some valuable lessons about confidence and honesty: about not just being true to yourself, but being true to everyone else as well. For ages 12+.

Joe Murray works as a bookseller at Readings Kids.