By Lisa Williamson (author) , Jess Bradley (illustrator) Part of the Bigg School series
"Another touching, funny, perfectly observed slice of early teen life"
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
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September 2024 Book of the Month
In the third of her series set at Henry Bigg Academy, following the lives of some of its Year 7s, Lisa Williamson’s focus turns to determinedly original, would-be author Astrid.
Astrid’s obsession has long been the characters in her beloved Dragon Tamers series of books, but then Teddy joins her year. Like Astrid, he’s a young writer, with an almost same-level love for Dragon Tamers, and it slowly dawns on Astrid that she likes him, really likes him.
As anyone aged 13 and above will know however, the path of young love is rarely smooth and to Teddy, Astrid is just a friend; worse, he likes someone else. Even a makeover from former nemesis Cleo fails to win his attention, and Astrid’s misery is compiled when she fails to win any recognition in the writing competition she’s entered. It feels like the end of the world, but Astrid has friends to commiserate, notably the wonderfully loyal Lola, while a personal message from the Dragon Tamers author no less, helps put everything in perspective.
This series goes from strength to strength, and this is a perfect description of the joys and despair of a first crush, and how to move on if or likely when, it all comes to nothing. Lisa Williamson’s insight into the turmoil of pre-teen emotions is second to none, and these stories - touching, funny and so true to life - also providing valuable guidance for their readers.
Astrid likes being different - she doesn't care that some of her classmates think she's a bit odd. She's got amazing friends and is the Scribble Society's star writer.When new boy Teddy joins the school, Astrid is super excited to discover they have loads in common. But when Astrid realises she has a secret crush on Teddy, her world is turned upside down. Suddenly being different doesn't feel so great after all . . . Maybe it's time for Astrid to start fitting in?
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Astrid likes being different - she doesn't care that some of her classmates think she's a bit odd. She's got amazing friends and is the Scribble Society's star writer. When new boy Teddy joins the school, Astrid is super excited to discover they have loads in common. But when Astrid realises she has a secret crush on Teddy, her world is turned upside down. Suddenly being different doesn't feel so great after all . . . Maybe it's time for Astrid to start fitting in?
A sweet, touching story about first crushes and staying true to yourself.
Secret Crush is the third book in the critically acclaimed Bigg School series, by Lisa Williamson. Each book follows the life of a different kid in Year Seven. From friendship feuds to secret crushes, the ups and downs of secondary school are explored with brilliant illustrations from Jess Bradley. It’s perfect for readers in Key Stage 2 and 3, beginning with Lola’s story in Best Friends Forever .
Praise for the first in the series, Best Friends Forever:
'Relatable, real and really funny ... This warm, true-to-life story will hit the spot with so many readers.' - Karen McCombie, author
'Funny, touching and wise... as good as Jacqueline Wilson at her best' - The Bookseller
'Heartfelt and funny, this is a story about staying true to yourself, no matter what - and about real friendship' - Sinead O'Hart, author of The Time Tider
'A fresh, funny story filled with feelings around the highs and lows and ins and outs of friendship. Lisa Williamson and Jess Bradley feel a perfect pairing and have brilliantly captured the seismic shifts of changing schools, house and friendship groups.' - Jake Hope - Youth Libraries Group
'This is a delight! It's warm and engaging, and perfectly pitched. Lisa's characters are spot on! We are all Lola and we all know a Cleo'. - Abie Longstaff, author of The Trapdoor Mysteries Series
'I absolutely loved Best Friends Forever. It's a warm, funny and bittersweet story of growing up and growing apart. This will resonate with so many young people, especially those leaving primary school. Lisa's writing is honest and heartfelt, and her portrayal of Lola's struggle to hold on to her best friend and fit in at her new school whilst remaining true to herself was captivating to read and felt so real. It's a best friend in a book. I just loved it.' - Tamsin Winter, author of Bad Influence
Lisa Williamson was born and grew up in Nottingham. Following a degree in drama, she worked as an actor for over a decade before writing her debut novel. The Art of Being Normal went on to win the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Best Older Fiction. Lisa is also the author of All About Mia, Paper Avalanche, First Names: Malala (Yousafzai) and was one of seven contributors to the collaborative YA novel Floored. When she's not writing, Lisa loves long walks, long talks, dessert, good books and bad TV. She lives in London.
We've got some great stuff related to this book in our KidsZone. Head over there and check it out now.
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Well written with humour and a serious message running through. This book will hold your attention as you follow along with the life of Astrid.
This book is well written and definitely holds your attention. There is a good amount of humour which will have you smiling but also has a good strong message to convey. The story follows Astrid as she moves up to high school. Never being one to fit in and not being worried about it in the past she finds herself questioning this when a new boy starts the school and Astrid finds she has developed a crush on him. Should she start to fit in?... Read Full Review
A brilliant series for anyone who likes stories about school life, friendship and dramatic events!
This is the third book in the series, and I loved it. It is set in the same place as books 1 and 2, but focuses on a different character.
It was exciting, intense at some points, and a bit drama crazy! My favourite bit was when Astrid got a makeover because I liked her new style. TS McCloud's fancy writing was also really cool.
I would recommend this series to anyone who likes stories about school life, friendship and dramatic events!... Read Full Review
I really enjoyed reading this book.
I’ve just started senior school and this book was just for my age. I could really understand this book because it was just how I was feeling and how it is at school.
The book is about Astrid when she likes a new boy called Teddy And they have lots in common. Astrid finds out that Teddy likes someone else.
The characters Astrid and Teddy were just normal down to earth kids of my age. The books very easy to read and it has lots of illustrations that makes it fun. It’s written for my age like a magazine and easy to read. I really didn’t want to put this book down because I could really relate to it.... Read Full Review
Astrid likes being different - she doesn't care that some of her classmates think she's a bit odd. She's got amazing friends and is the Scribble Society's star writer.When new boy Teddy joins the school, Astrid is super excited to discover they have loads in common.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Bigg School: Secret Crush and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Bigg School: Secret Crush features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Books of the Month, Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Recommendations, Funny, Romance / Relationship Stories, School Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
Bigg School: Secret Crush was written by Lisa Williamson and published by Guppy Publishing Ltd
Bigg School: Secret Crush has 205 pages
Yes it is part of Bigg School series
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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