Dandelion Clocks
Publisher: Puffin Books
In her eyes, 11 year-old Olivia's family is a bit of a nightmare. Her mother hasn't a clue what it's like to be young, her dad always takes her mum's side and her older brother (who has Asperger's Syndrome) struggles to cope when any of the family's agreed rules are broken which can result in embarrassing outbursts in public places.
Of course in fact it's a family which is as normal (or just as diverse) as the next, and her day-to-day worries are essentially no different from any other schoolgirl's. However, Liv is too immersed in her own perceptions, interests, friendships and crushes to realise it.
Then things start to shift. Liv's mother is sick. It soon becomes painfully clear to the reader that she is terminally ill and deteriorating fast. The book details the unthinkably difficult months leading up to her death and those which follow, all recounted by Liv herself.
The result is (unsurprisingly) a very heart-rending read, as Liv goes through various stages of denial, anger and grief. More unexpected is the clever way in which Westcott Smith succeeds in weaving substantial humour and optimism into the book. An effective parallel emerges between Liv's life and the experiences of her mother at the same age, reported through the diaries she passes on to her daughter. It is her journal, combined with Liv's passion for photography and the support of her father, brother and best friend, which will provide her with crucial solace and a sense of hope for the future.
Powerful, memorable and accessible, the book also boasts a very positive depiction of a character with Asperger's Syndrome which reminds us that the autistic spectrum is indeed just that - a spectrum - and those on it may share similar characteristics but should not be pigeon-holed.
What you thought...
Average rating:
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Skye, 8 Mai 2017
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So interesting!
Oneli, 22 Ebrill 2017
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Great book loved it you have to read it well done Rebecca 😃😃😃
Emily, 5 Mawrth 2017
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This book is fast paced and pulls you in from the moment you start reading. I love this book!
Sophia, 20 Rhagfyr 2016
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Same with Jessie. My favorite authors are JACQUELINE WILSON!!! she is amazing. When i heard this book was amazing by her... My brain exploded i wanted to read this book and now i am reading it... and so far it is good and it will be wonders so others story reading
Methusha, 16 Tachwedd 2016
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This is such an amazing relatable book. It is the only book I've ever cried in and it is soo worth a read.
Penelope, 20 Medi 2016
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This book is so good and emotional because pig finds out that her mom felt the same way when she was younger!😀😥😊
Leah, 10 Awst 2016
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I recommend to all so good loooooved it
Aqsa, 19 Mehefin 2016
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I enjoyed this book a lot
Raman, 25 Mai 2016
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This book ia amazing! It is really emotional. I cried!!! I recommend you read it
Isabel, 12 Mai 2016
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I think its an inspirational book
lily, 24 Mawrth 2016
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This book is very interesting and I didn't want to put it down.
Holly, 13 Mawrth 2016
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Ok, I'm a fussy reader if that makes sense... I only really read books by the same authors. Jacqueline Wilson is one of those authors, so when I saw that she recommended it I thought I'd give it a try. I started to read it and I thought; this is really good! I've fineshed the book now, and I absolutely loved it!! An amazing book and I really recommend it :)
Jessie, 25 Chwefror 2016
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Interesting book full of twists an turns
Anna, 4 Chwefror 2016
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Dandelion Clocks is an emotional story that pulled my attention when I just read the blurb. In my opinion, this was very good and it shows how bad someone's life can be. The genre is comedy,emotional and fiction and it is for people aged 10-15.
Sara, 3 Chwefror 2016
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Dandelion clocks is a complete page turner and a book you will never want to put down! It is emotional, funny and realistic. At one moment you will burst out laughing and the next moment you will burst out crying. A brilliant story about a girl who called Olivia who is confused when her mum starts teaching her vital life lessons that she needs to know when she is about 30!!! She has a normal mum and dad but sadly her brothers autistic. I feel that this book is really good and if you like J...
Hope, 30 Ionawr 2016
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I really like this book as its very interesting and emotional and i enjoyed the entry's from her mum and her school life - how shes not always getting along wit her friends reminds me of movies and real life for some people. its a good book because it relates to some peoples real life and and a lot of other people take pictures of their lives too. I rate this book a 4/5.
Ellie, 26 Ionawr 2016
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Liv is a normal 11 year old girl who loves photography, learning how to use her new professional camera that she got for her 12th birthday. She knows something weird is going on in her family, is it a surprise? or a holiday to Disneyland? whilst thinking its a divorce she trys to make them happy again. But she finds out its something worce! This book has encouraged me to read more books this is based for 11-13 year olds if they like shocking, suprising books
Isabel, 25 Ionawr 2016
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Liv is a fairly normal 11-year-old girl - being tortured by moronic bullies, needing more freedom and feeling the desperate need to have her ears pierced; when her world turns upside down. She already has to cope with her older brother's Asperger's Syndrome and obey all his pointless rules, as well as protecting him! And then her mum starts teaching vital lessons to her at random, and gives Liv a stack of her old diaries for advice. But Liv feels like she is in the dark about what is reall...
Lucy, 25 Ionawr 2016
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Tear-jerking, page-turning, emotional wave of a storyline, is a short summary of this heart-melting story. Livs parents are acting weird... strange. She finds herself unable to talk to her parents, and stuck with her chaos-creating brother, who has an uncontrollable syndrome- Aspergers. I think this book is good because it suits my style of book perfectly. Its eye-watering and the descriptions are easy to imagine. I think Dandilion Clocks is the perfect book for people who want to cry and ...
Leya, 15 Ionawr 2016
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This book was really great because it was very sad and heart-warming at the same time. This book is all about the strong relationship between a mum and a daughter. It made me cry at the end! Undoubtedly, my favourite character is the mum because she is so kind and brave and inspiring until the end. Liv is a good character at the start but becomes weak towards the end. This is a very emotional book and I would recommend it to those who like a good cry! Overall, I really loved this book and ...
Jemma, 12 Ionawr 2016
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I loved this book so much I especially loved the title as it reeled me in and I wanted to read the book. though towards the end the book got really sad I started to cry a bit as well. but overall it was great and I would love to read it over and over again.
Kelsi, 9 Ionawr 2016
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Dandelion Clocks, written by Rebecca Westcott, is about an eleven year old girl named Olivia who has a kind caring personality. She has an older brother named Isaac that is passionate about gaming but has Asperger's Syndrome, which means he doesn't always see things like other people. In this book they don't contain the mum's and dads name but they have equally big roles. The story is set in Olivia's hometown where her mum has suddenly began to teach her life lessons and has been taking he...
Charlie, 8 Ionawr 2016
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This book is very capturing. some parts make you want to cry, some parts make you want to laugh out loud. A girl named Liv lives with her mum, dad and her brother Isaac who has Asperger's syndrome. when Liv's mum starts giving her life's vital lessons: how to make Bolognese sauce, how to apply makeup, how to make rules my brother can cope with... theres something she's not telling her.
Maddy, 8 Ionawr 2016
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Outstanding! his book lets you follow the everyday life of a young girl trying to cope with large issues.You follow this only to be blown away by the surprise waiting for you. READ if you like sad films!
Georgie, 8 Ionawr 2016
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In my opinion when I first read the first page I found it a bit boring. I feel that you need to read more to get into the book. Hopefully, when you get further into the book you will enjoy it like I did. This is a good book because there's twists and turns, cliff hangers, a lot of emotion and much more. I would recommend Dandelion Clocks to anyone who enjoys diary like style writing.
Sureiya, 8 Ionawr 2016
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This book might not interest you in the beginning ,but you just need read on so this book could take you to a brand new world. Dandelion Clocks is about a normal teenager girl that is learning vital lessons about life ; one day her live turns from bright to dark. I would recommend this book to all teens that think they could do what ever they want. This story is a book to be felt and not to be forgotten for life. That is why this book is captivating.
fatma, 8 Ionawr 2016
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This book is good and I can't put it down. I recomend this book.
Sophie, 5 Ionawr 2016
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I thought this book was really boring and not enjoyable to read and I would recommend this book to younger people.
Lauren, 5 Ionawr 2016
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It was ok I would recommend it but not everyone will enjoy because it would be boring for younger people and some bits are a bit repetitive and also I stopped because it wouldn't make its point in the story
Juanita, 5 Ionawr 2016
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When i started reading dandelion clocks i thought it was going to be like the others, the same story line. But some how this book called out to me. It is an emotional story and the chapters end in cliffe hangers most of the time wich makes you want to read on. Rebecca Westcot is an amazing writer and i would recomend her to anyoone especally the girls who like that secretive type of book.
Zadie, 3 Ionawr 2016
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The best book ever
Brianna, 16 Rhagfyr 2015
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This book was really great, and I spent a lot of my time reading it! It had amazing character development and the characters also had cool quirks and personality's. At first, I thought this book would be boring and uneventful, but it turned out to be beautifully told. I would recommend this book to ages 10 and up. It has some slight flaws, so I didn't give it 5 out of 5, but it was nice anyway.
Amelia, 15 Rhagfyr 2015
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It was a very good book and it had lots of drama and i enjoyed it very much. I would recommend it to anyone and i couldn't put it down. i would give this book a five star rating and it was one of the best books i have ever read.
Kubra, 14 Rhagfyr 2015
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Its a really good book. The name 'Dandelion Clocks' pulls you in. The picture on the front looks like its going to be happy . The girl holding her camera could be her taking pictures of memories. The colour contrast with the light blue and black works really you can clearly see the image on the front of the book. When i read the blurb i was like " Ive got to get this book it pulled me in
Hannah, 14 Rhagfyr 2015
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THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! This book made me laugh it made me cry. this made me realise how special my mum is and i need to savour every moment with her good or bad
fareeda, 10 Rhagfyr 2015
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I though Dandelion Clocks was a good book, however it was very sad at the end of it. It's a very emotional book, set behind the eyes of an 11 year old girl. I would say this book was based towards 10-11 year old girls.
Ruby, 10 Rhagfyr 2015
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I haven't quite finished this bok yet- but so far I am enjoying it alot and it is very engaging. My friend has read this and she said that she liked it alot and that she recommeneds it to me so when I had the chance to get it, I bought it and now I am reading it for myself!! I rated it 4stars because it is very gripping and leaves on the edge of my seat. Very enjoyable book and I would reccommend to all!
Olivia, 9 Rhagfyr 2015
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I love this book I would definitely recommend it also there is another book by her and it needs to be read. it is an amazing book please read.
ellen, 7 Rhagfyr 2015
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I absoutley love this book,everypage was written beautifully andvery easy toread .I would definetly recommend it:)
Rosie, 7 Rhagfyr 2015
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This book brought tears to my eyes when I read what the girl who is my age was going through in her life. However I was thoroughly brought into the life of the girl. The story line of this book is long winded but simple and obvious at the same time. This book is one of the best I have read for a while. I would recommend this book to teenagers and young adults,as I do not think any one under 10 will grasp the story line.
Ruby, 4 Rhagfyr 2015
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Awesome, i would read it again and again. the storyline is incredible
kerry, 4 Rhagfyr 2015
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I really like sad storys
Abbie, 1 Rhagfyr 2015
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When I first saw this book I was intrigued by the title why 'Dandelion Clocks'? It made me want to find out what it was about. I was hooked from the start, my favourite part was probably when Olivia's mum started giving her lessons like how to make Bolognese sauce. I also liked the relationship between mother and daughter and brother and sister. I would recommend this book
Neea, 1 Rhagfyr 2015
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What attracted me to ‘Dandelion Clocks’ was the blurb, it was talking about a girl named Olivia who’s mum gives her diaries to help her to understand some of life’s vital lessons. I was captivated by the book and as I reached the end I didn’t want it to end, even though it made me cry a bit. I have tried to find another book written by the same author, but I couldn’t find anything. I have read it again and again it is so good.
Maham, 1 Rhagfyr 2015
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I loved this book! The language the author has used makes you feel like part of the story and certainly makes you feel as if you are experiencing the obstacles they go through in this touching summary of one girl's life.
Robyn, 26 Tachwedd 2015
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I chose this book because after I read the synopsis/extract,I found the book interesting and want to know what happens next.After I read it,I think the book is quite emotional.It makes me very sad to read what had happened to her mother.I reccomend this book to anyone who likes emotional stories and a story about a girl's feelings.I love this book.
Anonymous, 18 Tachwedd 2015
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This book has comedy, emotion and realism. This book is about a eleven/twelve year old girl called Olivia,who's mother gives her old diaries from her childhood so she can learn more about her.
Saimah, 12 Tachwedd 2015
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This book is about a girl called Olivia and her mum who suddenly out of nowhere started teaching her about lives vital lessons eg: how to make bolognese sauce, how to put on make up and how to look after her family then she found out why...her mum was going to DIE!!! this book is especially for people who like Jacqueline wilson books or books with a bit of drama
Anisha, 12 Tachwedd 2015
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I loved this book because it was very relatable in some ways. However, I made the mistake of reading the summary of the story above and spoiled the plot for myself :(
Robyn, 12 Tachwedd 2015
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This book is an absolute page-turner. It is perfect in every way! This book is a very heart warming, emotional book. I recommend it to over 12's as it may be a little overwhelming. Overall this is a fantastic book! I recommend it
Maria, 11 Tachwedd 2015
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I don't mind this book because I've actually never read a book by this author before and It's really interesting. My favorite part was probably when Olivia's mom started giving her "life vital lesson; how to make bolognese sauce, how to make rules her brother would cope with... etc" In my perspective, I think this authors just finding a way to express herself but in a different manor. I would recommend this book to olders, mainly to children over 12+. To be honest, this book is too emotion...
Sarah, 11 Tachwedd 2015
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I don't mind this book because, I've never read a book by this author before and I also wanted to see what she writes about and how her style of language is. It was a total page turner and I'd recommend this to any olders, mainly for children over 12+. The most entertaining part was probably when the girls mom suddenly started giving her "life vital lessons; How to make Bolognese sauce, how to put on make-up, how to make rules her brother can cope with... etc." I felt quite sorry when her ...
Sarah, 11 Tachwedd 2015
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I liked this book because the blurb made it look really interesting and the style of it was very well written. It was an absolute page-turner and I enjoyed every second of reading this book. I was totally trapped in Olivia's world of happy-not really happy-but still happy world. This book was full of surprises on every page! The main events where when Olivia read her mums childhood diary and got life lessons from her mum and of course when her whole world turned upside down. This book made...
Maria, 11 Tachwedd 2015
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This book is about an 11 year old girl called Olivia (although referred to as Liv throughout the story) and her life over six months.It starts with the chapter three months after which is only a page long yet leaves you on a cliffhanger wanting to find out more. From thirteen weeks before to six months after Liv explains to us the short yet emotionally challenging few months of her life.I understand early on from the book that Liv has a certain passion for photography and can always be fou...
Angelica, 11 Tachwedd 2015
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I think this book is really good . . Olivia (Liv) is just an ordinary girl she loves taking pictures and loves hanging out with her friends. She realizes her mum is acting strange her parents were always arguing which is something they wouldn't normally do,teaching her how to cook to take care of her brother , how to put nail varnish on and etc . Her mother gives Liv her diary from when she was little .She soon found out that her mother was facing an illness. I would recommend hoist book f...
Abilina, 11 Tachwedd 2015
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My book buzz book is called Dandelion Clocks. I like this book because at the end of every chapter, you feel like reading on and sometimes this book can relate to our own lives. Also, I like this book because you can visualize how the characters are feeling. This book is about a girl called Olivia who lives an ordinary life with her younger brother, Isaac and her parents. She is finding it bard adapting herself to what she has over heard her parents discussing and is not sure how she would...
Davina, 11 Tachwedd 2015
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I think this book is pretty sad but really easy to emphasise what the character is feeling , her opinions and it is very easy to get into . I couldn't put it down ...
Millie, 5 Tachwedd 2015
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This book is an heart warming,moving, emotional book.This author has written this book with assurance and insight. Personally,I would recommend this book to people who likes a bit of tradedy and cliff hangers.If you have read the book the fault in stars,you will definitely enjoy this.In my opionion, I think this book should certainly come with a packet of tissues.
Aijanie, 1 Tachwedd 2015
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I haven't read this book, but I think it's amazing. I like the cover of the book, and the design as well. I can't wait to read Dandelion Clocks!!!!
Adreen, 17 Hydref 2015
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This is the book i chose for my book buzz. I think it looks amazing and so far (through what ive read) it seems really good but once i read it all, i will leave another review on the final bit. :)
Poppy, 17 Hydref 2015
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the book is sad because wher it says the dad always takes the mum sid even wen she in the wrong
ikraam, 14 Hydref 2015
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I THINK THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Angel, 13 Hydref 2015
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This book looks A-Maz-ing can't wait to read it , then I will review it
Ellie, 13 Hydref 2015
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I would recommend Dandelion Clocks by Rebecca Westcott to any one who likes sad, emotional books. Dandelion Clocks is about a girl who has a brother with Asperger's syndrome. One day, her mother starts to teach her life's vital skills like how to cope with her brother and how to make pasta sauce. Read this book if you want to find out what happens to her mum.
Kira, 13 Hydref 2015
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I would love to read this book as I love family dramas.The author says that iff you love Jaquline Wilson and Cathy Cassidy than this book is perfect is perfect for you. Those two are my favourite authors so it is perfect for me. It also seems like a bit of a mystery story and an emotional read. Everything about this book is perfect for me and I cant wait to find out more about Liv and her family!
Katie, 13 Hydref 2015
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I really enjoyed reading this book because it shows how heartbreaking it can be to discover your family member has an illness. I would definately recommend it to any girl who likes to read.
Amelia, 13 Hydref 2015
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I would love to read this book as I love Family dramas. The author says that if you love Jaquilin Wilson and Cathy Cassidy then you would love this book. Those two are my favourite authors so it is perfect for me. It also seems a bit of a mystery story and an emotional read. Everything about this book seems perfect for me and I would love to find out more about Liv and her family!
Danelion Clocks, 13 Hydref 2015
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i like the cover because it isnt to childish. also i like the extract because itcan be related to people in real life.
Ayse, 13 Hydref 2015
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I really like the extract because it is based on things that happens to some to people so it has might make people more interested because this could happen to them. and the cover is nice becaus it isnt to colourful or childish.
Ayse, 13 Hydref 2015
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its a good book loved it!!!
zineb, 12 Hydref 2015
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this is amazing. i love the way the author creates suspense and how Olivia's character is made
Miriam, 8 Hydref 2015
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this book is good i read it at my bff's house and she said it is the best book she has ever read so far.
miriam, 8 Hydref 2015
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I like the picture on the front as it is pencil drawn and the bluey colour is cool
Thwaa, 7 Hydref 2015
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I̥ͦt̥ͦ i̥ͦs̥ͦ ḁͦn̥ͦ ḁͦm̥ͦḁͦz̥ͦi̥ͦn̥ͦg̥ͦ 📚 the best one that I've read
Ria, 2 Hydref 2015
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I have read half of this book and this book is amazing it is the best book I have ever read. I love the authors description on every page. His words interest me so much and they always make want to read on. I have never been so interested in a book before and I think that everyone should read this book it is amazing!!!
chelsea, 2 Hydref 2015
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I love this book
Serena, 1 Hydref 2015
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Awesome
Chloe, 25 Medi 2015
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Dandelion clock is a great book to read. It is very interesting through out the book and if you read one chapter you would really want to read the next one. I think it was a great book.
Ayesha, 21 Medi 2015
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For girls who like their books to be immediate and heartfelt, Dandelion Clocks by Rebecca Westcott (Puffin) will have huge appeal. It’s about ordinary family life, albeit with a brother with Asperger’s Syndrome – and what happens to our young heroine when her mother’s terminal illness threatens to tear the family apart.
Lorna, 29 Ebrill 2015
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Loved it. Heaps ! Funny , interesting and heart warming ! Something that will stay very close to my heart thank you REBECCA WESTCOTT !!! You did an amazing job :)
Emily, 28 Hydref 2014
Best book ever!!!!!!!!!! Very interesting and amazing at the same time, it brought tears to my eyes!!!