Best Friends Forever

What do you do if you have read all the books by your favourite author – Jacqueline Wilson , perhaps? Well Lisa Williamson might be just the one to fill the gap and this might be the book for you. The author has made her name writing for a YA audience. Here she moves down in ages to that tricky time – the transition from Primary to Secondary facing 11 to 12  year olds.

Lola and Evie are best friends – and have sworn to remain best friends as they face this change; one that will see them in different classes for the first time in their lives. Lola in particular wants the pattern of life to stay the same – Evie finds she is ready to move on with new friendships, new interests. It is a bitter lesson as Lola discovers – especially when your parents have recently divorced.

Lisa writes with a brisk contemporary style. Plenty of dialogue pushes the action on. Descriptive passages are short and to the point.  Issues are introduced without fuss – first periods, the realisation that best friends may not remain best friends – but can be friends, adjusting to new rules, a stricter routine, adjusting to change in the home. Lola opinionated, outspoken speaks directly to the reader and many will recognise her and the environment – the transition from the familiarity of Year 6 to the new world of Year 7. Characters are lightly drawn to fit recognisable types but their liveliness adds to the credibility of the narrative. The illustrations by Jess Bradley decorating the pages throughout capture the mood and humour of Lola’s world with a subtle nod to comic book art. This is a lively accessible novel addressing many situations that will resonate with its audience.