Shadow Girl

Sally Nicholls has based both this short novel for reluctant readers, and her earlier full-length young adult novel Close Your Pretty Eyes around the supernatural experiences of a looked-after girl. Nicholls is very aware of the intensity of the search for identity which dominates young people in this situation. Clare has been in care for half her life, moved from one home to another. At 14 she's happy with her carer Lyn, but afraid to make friends at school because she'll undoubtedly be moved on again. One day she meets another misfit, Maddy, from a children's home, with whom she makes friends.

The story examines relationships between teenager and adult, and coming to terms with past experience. Another Barrington Stoke winner!