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Jump to navigationJump to searchDear Scarlett by Fleur Hitchcock (view source)
Revision as of 11:11, 2 April 2013
, 11:11, 2 April 2013no edit summary
This is an entertaining story combining exciting adventure and modern family life in a way that I think will be popular with readers between the ages of about 8 and 12. Although a natural choice for fans of writers such as [[:Category:Jacqueline Wilson|Jacqueline Wilson]] I think it would be a shame if boys were put off by the female protagonist. Scarlett is a bit of a tomboy and the story is told with both warmth and wit. There are some very amusing moments, I particularly enjoyed the penguin episode, and some quite tense passages too. I warmed to Scarlett who is both likeable and brave with a sense of fun; she is probably a character that young readers would empathise with easily too.
The relationships between the various members of the family are well written and the way in which these alter as the story progresses is well done. The author portrays step-families is in a positive way and although Scarlett is no angel and makes some mistakes the story also demonstrates how someone can learn how to do the right thing but does not do so in a preachy manner. I felt that perhaps the villains were a little stereotypical but for this age group that is understandable. The relationship between Scarlett and her baby brother is charming and there is a sense of fun permeating the whole story which is appealing.
This is Fleur Hitchcock’s second book for children and I am delighted to discover a new author to recommend to tween readers. Thank you to the people at Nosy Crow publishers for sending this book to the Bookbag.
