A Star for the Latecomer

Definitely a three hanky story. Brooke Hillary is 16. She is at stage school in New York, devoted to an ambitious mother, but in her heart dreaming of love, marriage and children first and career second. When she learns her mother is dying, she longs for some success to give her before it is too late. As the months pass she learns to value what her mother has given her; but also to be herself.

Told by Brooke, the story is a great alternative for girls stuck on teenage romance. I can't see it appealing to boys - the humour and sharpness which spikes Paul Zindel's novels is completely missing. Sentimentality is all.