Always Angel

By Author / Illustrator

Kimberly Whittam

Genre

Personal Growth

Age range(s)

Publisher

Usborne

ISBN

9781803708072

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

12-02-2026

Synopsis

A powerful novel about second chances, friendship and finding the courage to rewrite your story.

Angel finds school hard. She talks back to teachers, she storms out of lessons, and she's had more detentions than any other Year 8 student...ever. But really, Angel wants to be good. She wants to fit in, she wants to make friends, and she even wants to win the school baking contest.

But it's hard to be good when everyone expects the worst. And with her mum not well enough to look after her, and Angel making more and more bad choices, she's starting to run out of chances...

Praise for Kimberly Whittam's Quiet Storm: "I loved the book, and the quiet strong hero will really appeal to children about to start Year 7." Cressida Cowell, author of How to Train Your Dragon; "A tender 10+ novel about the challenges of shyness in the bold world of school." The Guardian; "A captivating story about shyness and strength, reassuring and empowering." Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs.

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Reviews

Sue

Angel finds school difficult. Well known for her attitude and frequent presence in detention, her reputation goes before her. But really Angel wants to fit in and make friends - and above all, she wants to be back living with her mum. However, with everyone expecting the worst, Angel makes more and more bad choices . . .

In Always Angel, I recognised so many children who I have taught over the years, making this a very poignant and emotional read for me. Kimberly Whittam has given a voice to those children who have fallen victim to patterns and expectations which they feel powerless to change.

Angel is a wonderful character, easy to both empathise and identify with. Like many children, she is trying to cope with too much. She feels it is her responsibility to look after her mother, whose bipolar disorder has become even harder to cope with since the loss of her grandparents and an estrangement with Uncle Tyrese who used to support both Angel and her mother.

Now in foster care, much of Angel's behaviour stems from overwhelming feelings and a sense of constantly being rejected, leading to a desire to leave before she is told to go. These feelings are superbly captured, allowing readers to understand the conflicting emotions Angel experiences and allow them to see how often her good intentions go awry, and how often these are then misinterpreted based on her 'reputation'.

As the story unfolds, Angel finds an outlet in the school baking competition, which gives her the opportunity to experience success and, she hopes, a goal to bring her and her mother back living together. Although things do not go entirely to plan, Angel enjoys the experience and starts to notice others around her who are also struggling to conceal problems and worries. As she learns to trust and accept support from others, Angel is able to make a difference to those around her as well, leading to new friendships and a more hopeful, positive future. An up-lifting and heart-warming read!

240 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher