It hurt to read it, but it made me want to yell, ‘If you want to understand this subject, then you must, must, MUST read this story!’ My prejudices were blasted away, powerfully and painfully. So when Wintergirls was submitted to us from America, I expected not to like it. Stories are not to be confused with therapy or education. I very often turn them down because, for me, the ‘issue’ is not the story. I have a longstanding dislike of novels written for young people for the purpose of examining a particular issue – bullying, pregnancy, self-harm, divorce, or whatever. and a piece of passion from the publisher, Marion Lloyd: At first Lia obeys but gradually she begins to break free the desire not to eat is tempered by some hope for a future. Already happily embracing the demons who drive her not to eat, Lia is now pursued also by the voice of her best friend Cassie who has just committed suicide begging her to keep control and stay thin. Shocking, mesmerising and utterly convincing, Lia tells the story of her disjointed life in the iron grip of an eating disorder. Fit for a King and May Day Madness! Topical themes to inspire aspiring young writers.The year’s outstanding debut authors for children: shortlist for the 2023 Branford Boase Award announced.Celebrate Grandparents Day with 50 great kids books about grandparents.Anxiety & Wellbeing - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health.Jacqueline Wilson - our Guest Editor of the Month.Branford Boase 2023 – what the judges had to say about the shortlist.