G.S.O.H.

15-year-old Katie, in search of a new partner for her widowed mother, tries her hand at matchmaking, only to be out-manoeuvred when her mum gets off with the new English teacher at Katie's school. This felt like an update of Beverly Cleary's Fifteen to me -- all cappuccinos and clubbing, slang and snogging but no alcohol ('s-o-o twentieth century') and no drugs, smoking or spiked drinks either. A rash of widowed parents avoids the complications of divorce and the resulting mixed emotions of the young people. 'Other aspects of teen concern are introduced -- parental attitudes; the hard work expected in top sets at school -- but not developed, though the enthusiasm of the English teacher presents a very positive picture of school as it can be. It is good to find a male author sensitive to girl-feelings at this age while also putting a boy point-of-view: I enjoyed the ironic touches and generally light-hearted tone. The cover, by Nick Sharratt, will undoubtedly add to the appeal.