It was sooo embarrassing. It was supposed to be a fancy dress party, and with Sunita’s idea and Gifty’s creative talents their costumes would wow everyone. The only wow they got was on the end of laughter. Epic fail.

This foursome friendship has been close since primary and with Year 10 looming, they decide that they might have to grow up a bit or face more disasters like the party.

If only they could spend some time to get over their combined shame, but for the first time since they had met, Sunita, Gifty, May and Dawn won’t be spending their summer holidays together.

Sunita is going to spending her holidays with her mum, brother Anand, her mum’s new boyfriend Brian and his kids. The only vaguely good thing about it is it will be in France in an actual Chateau.

Dawn is heading to London for a month of Performing Arts Summer School. Her parents were both musicians and hoped she would continue her dad’s music. The only problem is, Dawn has different musical aspirations than they have, and how does she share that?

May is stuck at home in their small town, working in her parent’s takeaway and trying to find a project or start-up that will not only occupy her while her friends are away, but add some sophistication to her life.

Lastly is Gifty, who has travelled to Scotland to visit grandparents she hasn’t seen since she was a baby.

It’s Gifty’s idea to write each other postcards while they’re apart. Her mum has given her a pile of them to write home with, and she shares them with her friends.

While away, each girl has worries about what the others are doing. Will they be different after the summer break? Will they still connect like they always have? There are also difficult family conversations to be had, secrets revealed, cute boys to blush at or ignore completely, and hilarious anecdotes to put aside to share when they are all back together.

A refreshing optimistic book for 12+ about friendships, growing up, speaking your truths about your future dreams – not the ones others have for you, and ultimately just being yourself. 

Whether in London, France, Scotland or at home alone, four friends pretend to be something they’re not which brings mostly unappealing results. I loved watching these girls slowly realise this and all come out much the better for it.

Told in four viewpoints, the end of each viewpoint chapter displays a postcard message from one friend to another. Not having their friends close by is often excruciating for each of them, but this allows all four girls to grow in some way.

Great read.

Author – Alexandra Sheppard

Age – 12+

(2023, Walker Books, Friendship, France, London, Scotland, Cute Boy, Relationship, Parental expectations, Growing up, Performance Arts School, Summer School, Grandparents, Art, Creativity, Postcards, Besties, Best Friends, Embarrassing moments, Year 10, Family, Peer pressure, Blended Family, Humour)