Quiet Storm
by Kimberly Whittam
Interest age: 12 to 14
Reading age: 9+
Published by Usborne, 2023
About this book
Do you hate reading aloud in front of other people? Or sharing your work with the class even when you know it’s good? Do you never put your hand up because you can’t stand everyone looking at you? Well, Storm feels exactly like that.
So far, she’s managed to navigate school by being a shadow to her best friend Zarrish but Zarrish seems to be moving on to new interests and friends and leaving Storm behind.
When Storm breaks the record for the fastest Year 7 sprinter her school has ever had, she has the chance to pursue something she really loves but can she find the courage to speak up and branch out?
Storm has to experience rejection, embarrassment and despair before she finally comes to realise that friends should pull one another up, not put one another down. It’s a passion for sport and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team that eventually gives her a voice.
Anyone who has struggled with shyness will find much that is familiar in Storm’s story. The overriding message is that it’s OK to be scared but you shouldn’t let your fears stop you from chasing your dreams.
More books like this
-
Invisible Emmie
by Terri Libenson
9 to 14 years
-
Can You See Me?
by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
9 to 14 years
-
Always Angel: Selected for Bookbuzz Secondary 2026
by Kimberly Whittam
9 to 14 years
-
The Hexton Chronicles: The Trouble with Magic
by Amy Wilson, illustrated by Eric Deschamps
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books to encourage resilience for ages 8 and above
All children face changes and transitions in their lives, and sometimes more challenging circumstances too. This mixture of excellent fiction and non-fiction titles has been chosen to show readers that there can be a path through tough times.
-
Books about identity for teens
Teenagers are working out who they are and what choices they want to make: in their friendships, during times of stress and change, and as they grow up. Here is a selection of brilliant books that explore these themes.
-
Books set in the North of England
Northern England is rich in landscape, culture and history – and that has inspired some incredible stories. If you live in or are from the North (or just going for your holidays), you may be looking for books set there to share with your child. After all, a familiar location can help them relate to the story and feel a bigger connection. Here are just a few of our favourites for you to check out.
-
Books on wellbeing for teens
Teenagers sometimes need guidance, whether they want to admit it or not. Fiction is a subtle way to show them characters in similar situations, while non-fiction is more direct in offering suggestions and advice. This list is a combination of the two, for when they might benefit from an objective viewpoint.