The edge of thirteen by Nova Weetman

There is a need for books for girls who are on the brink of and going through adolescence. Girls need comfort and guidance. They need to know that they are not the only ones with particular worries and experiences of growing up. Where else better can you find material and experiences that might help you but in a book? Nova Weetman understands this market. Her previous book, Sick Bay (a CBCA notable in 2019) spent no time at all on our library shelves. There was a waiting list for it; we bought extra copies. The girl's network wanted it.

The Edge of Thirteen is unashamedly a "girls' book". The cover design by Jo Hunt and the cover illustration by Bren Luke speak straight to tween girls: uncertainty, change, future. It is pink. Despite everything taught about sexual constructs etc. girls know that this book is for them and there is a time and place to be clear about audience when marketing.

The heroine of the story is thirteen- year-old Clem. Everything is changing around her. Her friends are changing; they are wearing bras and having teenage romances and they are not interested anymore in childhood pursuits. Everything comes to a climax and resolution during that hothouse experience - the school camp.

Clem is an individual with her own interests. This book is about finding who you are and working out where you fit. Clem makes mistakes and embarrasses herself but it all is part of the process of finding herself. Same-sex attraction and sexual identity is considered with great sensitivity and naturalness.

The Edge of Thirteen will be as popular and sought after as Sick Bay.

Because of content, this book is recommended for mature Middle School students.

Wendy Jeffrey