Sixth grade can be a dreadful year. Hormones are raging, physical development varies, and emotional ups and downs are common. For years, Sid has spent her summer holidays at the camping ground at Penlee Point and her best friend Lou’s family have the spot next to them. Even though they only see each other this one fortnight a year, they are best buddies with a passionate interest in finding the missing treasure from the wrecked ship, the Penlee.

However, this year things turn out differently. Mum brought along her new boyfriend, Tony, and his daughter, Eva. Lou has a school friend, Hailey, with her. It soon becomes apparent that Lou is more interested in Hailey than in Sid. They are interested in the local boys and in wearing bikinis – and Sid isn’t.

Sid’s not as physically mature and finds coping with being excluded difficult. The elderly lady, Bobbi, who runs the local museum and is a fount of knowledge on all things related to the shipwreck, has had a fall and is being encouraged to consider selling the site to a developer. Her great-grandson gradually becomes a new friend after a rough start.

This engaging middle-grade novel tackles the issue of how to manage change and peer groups. Do you try to fit in, or stay true to yourself? Sid and her Mum have some long heart-to-heart conversations about divorce, friendships, change and how to cope. And Sid learns a lot about herself in the process.

This is a really well-written story about the difficulties encountered in growing up.

Reviewed by Lynne Babbage

Age Guide 11+