The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson

Jessie Jefferson is a typical teenager until she loses her mum in sudden and tragic circumstances. Wracked with pain and feelings of guilt she takes it out on the people closest to her and rebels. She ditches her best friend and hangs out with the wrong crowd - they don't ask questions or offer sympathy. She has no idea who her real father is as her mum kept it a secret all of her life. When her step dad Stuart reveals that he is the famous rock star Johnny Jefferson she wants to meet him and get answers. Johnny invites Jessie to LA for a week to get to know the family and the awkwardness as both Jessie and Johnny's family tried to adjust to their new situation builds tension and keeps you reading as you hope for a happy ending. Jessie is soon sucked into the LA lifestyle of parties and hot boy bands but when the paparazzi show up it is clear life will never be the same again! I liked that the book would be suitable reading to explore grief and emotions while at the same time is a good escapist story. There is a small amount of swearing so I would recommend for older teens.

Suggested Reading Age 14+

Maybe every teenage girl's fantasy...to be suddenly catapulted into the lives of the rich and famous. Jessie is a fairly typical teenager, coping with the sudden and traumatic death of her mother and lashing out at those closest to her as a way of coping with the pain. The mystery about who her birth father is gnaws away at her until her step-father reveals his identity. How Jessie copes with this knowledge and the very different lifestyle of her new family is the subject of this book. Paige Toon writes simply and directly. This is not a challenging read and will be quickly read by those who are engrossed by the characters. A real page turner and pure escapism. 336 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Jane Welby.

Suggested Reading Age 11+