Kim Hood writes poignantly and honestly about young people in difficult situations, making readers aware of the real person behind the issue. Jane’s little sister Emma has cancer and for the last three years has taken up all their parents’ attention. Jane loves her little sister too and worries about her but still can’t help resenting their parents for not noticing the effect Emma’s illness is having on her – for not really noticing her at all. She starts dropping out of school, breaking off contact with her friends. A relationship with new age hippy Farley comes as a boost, but then comes more devastating news about Emma. Jane is full of loathing for herself, a difficult character to like, but readers will be completely caught up in her story. ~ Andrea Reece
At nearly 16, Jane has lived in the shadow of her little sister Emma's cancer diagnosis for over three years. Not that she was ever in the limelight; it is her sister who is the talented one, a dancer who at ten had been outgrowing her small town teachers' skills. Jane had never resented her sister's talent; without any interests herself, it had always kept the pressure off her. Now though, with her parents struggling to cope financially and emotionally, Jane's life in her rural mining village seems to be a never ending monotony of skipping school, long bus rides to the hospital and hanging out with a boyfriend she doesn't even know why she is with. Nobody really cares that her life is stuck in neutral; she is finding it difficult to care herself ... Ultimately, Jane begins to understand the real parts of her life that are good; her sister Emma's chances of recovery begin to improve and the two sisters try to rebuild the relationship they shared before the illness took over.
‘touching and poignant ... excellently written’ parentsintouch.co.uk
'Anyone who wants more diversity in YA lit needs to read this … brilliant’ www.readaraptor.co.uk
‘honest, clear-eyed … a gripping story, well told’ booksforkeeps.co.uk
Author
About Kim Hood
KIM HOOD grew up in British Columbia, Canada. After earning degrees in psychology, history and education, she wandered through a few countries before making the west coast of Ireland home. Her eclectic work experience in education, therapy and community services has presented endless opportunity to observe a world of interesting characters. She has always had a passion for trying to understand life from the perspective of those on the fringes of society.
