Published by MacMillan

My Mum's from Planet Pluto by Gwyneth Rees

Daniel is not looking forward to starting his new secondary school, as his Mum is the new Head. But it turns out to be much worse than he expected! His Dad has to go to New Zealand, and his Mum stops taking her medication, and starts to behave very oddly. She starts to wear strange clothes, says outrageous things, and is generally very embarrassing. She even starts to think that his little sister isn’t her daughter. Things become too much for Daniel and eventually he has to get his father to come back. Even then it is a while before things get back to normal.

Published by Egmont

Fat Boy Swim by Catherine Forde

Scottish author Catherine Forde had a clear vision of a very obese boy, with red hair called Jimmy Kelly. She explored this bizarre character and produced this first-class novel about big blob Kelly with the smelly feet. Jimmy is bullied mercilessly on account of his gross size. However within, Jimmy is a teenager like any other, and in the course of the book, he learns to grapple with his bullies. He has two surprising gifts which enable him to find himself, and the secret of his family history. A realistic (at times rude), funny and moving account of the cruelty and pain of being a teenager with an obvious problem. Read this book and you will not forget the lessons of Jimmy Kelly.

Vicky Angel by Jacquline Wilson

A short and very sad story, where Jade has to come to terms with losing her best friend Vicky in a tragic road accident. The two girls are together, exchanging fun and banter when it happens and the novel follows Jade's struggle to come to terms with this terrible loss. Vicky remains very present to Jade, and it is only with the help of a teacher, and her counsellor friend that Jade starts to cope. Fat boy Sam and other classmates also become more important to Jade, as they surround her with love and concern. Jacqueline Wilson uses her cool, easy to read style to explore bereavement and death in a way which teenagers will find helpful and reassuring as they reflect more deeply about the story of Vicky Angel.