Flirty Dancing

Jenny McLachlan is a great new voice for young teenage readers. Her debut, like its title, fairly breezes along while she also takes the time to really explore what makes her main character, Bea, tick.

This is the first in four planned titles in which McLachlan will explore how four one-time friends fell apart and the story behind each of the girl friends. In the first story, we learn about what is holding back Bea from being herself at school; the crippling shyness that she suffers from; and how important her friends are in helping her maintain her sense of self.

When her Nana decides to take matters into her own hands and to pair Bea with the school heart throb for a dancing competition, Bea suddenly discovers something she can do - jiving - and her new passion helps her to overcome her shyness and also to find romance!

I loved the dynamics between the friends in this first story and am looking forward to following them through future books when we'll find out more about the other girls in the group. In this story, Bea felt very real and her problems with shyness are ones that many teenaged girls will relate to.

A great holiday read, too, for those aged 11+.

Suggested Reading Age 11+