Amy Green, Teen Agony Queen: Boy Trouble

Amy's parents are divorced, both have new partners and she's struggling with the dynamics of two differently shaped families.

She's trying to maintain old friendships, to fit in with new cliques, to keep ahead of fashion and figure out her feelings for the aloof Seth.

Her closest ally, young, glamorous, sassy Aunt Clover (new agony aunt on The Goss teen magazine) involves Amy in avenging wrongs done to her distraught correspondents.

So far, familiar teen territory - but there is distinctive charm and heart to this novel. The characters develop and grow; Amy's voice rings likeably true and complex family situations are sensitively described.

It's hard to achieve lightness of touch, humour and characters with depth - but this novel succeeds.