The Switch-Up

(8 reviews with an average rating of 5 out of 5)

Publisher: Little Tiger Press

Willa and Alice meet for the first time in the unaccompanied minors lounge at LAX airport. They look so alike that they’re mistaken for sisters, but in reality they’re chalk and cheese: Willa is outgoing and precocious; Alice is quiet and serious.

They’re both being sent away for the summer: Willa to Italy to stay with an aunt she’s never met; Alice to London to stay with the girlfriend she didn’t even know her dad had. Totally not how they thought they’d be spending their summers, and neither wants to go where they’re going. When Alice suggests they swap places, she’s joking – but Willa is 100% serious when she says yes. It’ll be the adventure of a lifetime! Besides, no-one will ever find out… will they?

The perfect teen coming-of-age movie all wrapped up in a book. Each girl has a personal reason behind this dramatic decision and as we follow each of their stories, their different summers help them come to terms with the changes in their lives. It’s lighthearted and fun whilst touching on themes of parental separation, grief, foster care and growing up. A highly relatable feel-good read about discovering the true meaning of family and friendship.

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