Hazel Hill is Gonna Win this One

Hazel Hill is a loner at school, she keeps herself to herself, spending most of her time preparing for her school’s annual speech competition. This year she is determined to beat her rival, Ella Quinn. Her priorities rapidly change however when she finds out Ella is being targeted and harassed on social media. Hazel is certain she knows who the culprit is and decides to help, alongside Ella’s friend Riley, a decision which proves harder than she expects.

Through this story we learn a lot about Hazel, who is an appealing heroine, about her loving home, her well-meaning parents and the difficulties a new baby can present to older siblings. She shows determination and a competitive spirit when it comes to the speech competition, but is also lonely, feeling herself different. We watch as she gradually accepts her sexuality and shows quiet joy when she makes friends after being thrust into the role of investigator.

This story offers young readers with plenty to think about and themes include being courageous, challenging bullying and injustice, solving problems and coping with setbacks, the pitfalls of social media and the potentially devastating effect of online abuse.

An engaging narrative from Canadian author Maggie Horne told with a touch of humour, great characterisation, and a satisfying conclusion.