Welcome New Series by Young Writer

And I am reading Coop Clan Term 1 by Kerine Miller. Over Christmas and January (my birthday month) I treat myself to books and more books. Even when they are expensive, I keep saying, "You are worth it.” It’s my book time, even more than the rest of the year, which is always book time. One of the books I bought was Coop Clan Term 1. And yes, I’m just reading it, but some books I keep and savour the thought of reading them, so I live in constant happy expectation. And I am enjoying this book. The blurb states:

Five different girls from different backgrounds enter seventh grade and find the one thing that may help them survive High School – each other! They form the “Coop Clan” and together experience the rigors and high points of high school in Jamaica. In only their first term at St. Viola’s, the “Coop Clan” play mischievous pranks in class, go on an adventure–filled field trip, take on the class bullies, participate in  the school’s carol service, and generally get into lots of mischief. Though each girl has her own personal struggles, they persevere and learn that though life (and high school) has its ups and downs, few things can compare with the power of true friendship.

This book seems to be self published as I do not see a publisher indicated. The book was launched at Bookophilia (a launch which I was sorry I missed). I love the cover design; I love how the girls are real to me ( I keep looking at the cover to see if I’m sure which girl is which, to sort of imprint them on my brain and get to know them better – a book-liking behavior of mine). I like how their conversation flows; I love how their lives are ours but also like other children in other countries who may be just entering high school. This is one of the things which I always want from our writing for our children, the fact that we are the same as other people but different/unique, just as each country is from the other. This is to be a series, an excellent marketing strategy, but I suspect also that the author has decided that there will be so many other stories to tell about these girls, that she’ll need more than one book. I know that I’ve not finished reading it, but I wanted to bring it to your attention now. A good combination; a young writer, writing for the high school group, where we need more contemporary books  about us, our children’s present day concerns; and a series. I wish this young writer every success.