The Endless Trials of Tabitha Baird

Tabitha Baird is the Queen Bee of her gang – her ‘bezzies’. She is the one they expect to be outrageous (never malicious, just outrageous). She is determined to keep her position – but the arrival of Alexandra with her striking goth appearance and her supercilious air is a serious threat.

There is nothing serious about this book. From the teenage preoccupations to the arrival of a litter of puppies, we see the world through Tabitha's breathless voice and self-centred eyes. Yes, there is the possible – probable – divorce of the parents; there is the problem of Sam and of course, Alexandra. But the narrative fizzes along with all the verve of an elderflower spritzer (strictly non-alcoholic) bringing a smile to the face and skip to the step. If the result is slightly exhausting for the adult reader, this is just the book to recommend to lively younger teens who will recognise Tabitha and her world – and enjoy it.