Peri

von Penelope Todd

Falling in love for the first time poses real challenges in this excellent young adult novel.A move to a new town throws Peri's whole family into a spin - especially her younger brother, Luke, who decides the safest place for himself is high up in a front garden tree.Then Peri's new friend, Tamsin, introduces her to Max. Magnetic, brooding, slightly dangerous, Max begins to wield an irresistible power over Peri - and Luke. Should Peri protect her little brother? Or should she pursue her own strong attraction to Max? Whatever Peri chooses, there are some potentially frightening consequences along the way.Todd's sense of differing approaches to emerging sexuality is finely judged and deliciously expressed. That, and her depiction of Luke's quirky inner world, lift this story of first love into fresh, startling life.