A Kindness

Fifteen-year-old Chip and his artist mother Anne have been alone since Chip was born. Each supports the other, each compensates for the other's weaknesses - Anne's impracticality, Chip's desire to label and own people, unable to let go. When Anne becomes pregnant by Ben, whom she's known and loved for a long time, their lives are irrevocably changed. Chip has to learn to accept and let go, Anne to give up her friendship with Ben - since boundaries have been redrawn. A moving and eloquently written story, likely to appeal to Year 9 upwards and a strong contender for a book box place.