This sequel to the award-winning The Deepest Breath, is very nicely timed to appeal to all those anxious Year 6’s contemplating the move to secondary school, just as the protagonists Stevie, Chloe and Andrew are doing. The story also stands alone perfectly well and so can attract new readers as well as fans.
Once again, the story is told in verse and clever design (except for one small slip) delineates the two narrative voices with Stevie on the left-hand side of the page and Andrew, when he appears more rarely, on the right-hand side. The physical distance between them on the page even helps to highlight what will become the main focus of the story, which is Andrew’s growing isolation from his friends. The lyrical, insightful narrative poems are separated into chapters to reflect the passing of time or significant incidents.
We begin the story with Stevie on the eve of her 13th birthday, anticipating the birthday party she has reluctantly agreed to, but which actually stands testament to how much progress she has made with the help of her friends, the positive relationship with her mum and the help of her therapist Dr Wells. It is an inspiring account of how Stevie has come to terms with her mental health and how her confidence and self-esteem have grown, and a really nuanced portrayal of a young person on the cusp of adolescence and all the changes that will bring. Starting school is another challenge to face: new people, new classes, new clubs and groups and while Stevie and Chloe relish new opportunities like The Rainbow Club and are tentatively moving their own relationship further, Andrew retreats further and further from them and they do not understand why. Andrew’s feelings are beautifully expressed and will be recognised by many children who fear that there is no place for them in their friendship group and who are not, as yet, certain about their sexuality and gender identity. It gives a touching and empathetic demonstration that these things take time and that is perfectly OK. Friendships too can ebb and flow in perfectly natural ways. This is ultimately an accessible, relatable and very reassuring read.
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