_‘Sam Hendry is not looking forward to starting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of truth arrives and all of her fears come true... and then some. When Sam meets a different group of people who immediately accept her as a friend, she begins to feel more positive. With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face the bully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage?’
‘New Beginnings’ is Rebecca Emin’s debut novel and stars eleven year old Sam Hendry, who’s nervous to be starting secondary school: her old mates from primary are all going to another school and Sam’s anxious that she won’t know anybody or make any friends. Unfortunately, from her first day Sam is picked on by the class bully, Molly, who’s chosen to torment Sam constantly. Sam gains confidence from the support of some new friends and some brilliant extra-curricular activities, but will she be strong enough to confront Molly and put a stop to her victimisation once and for all?
This book would appeal to girls aged between about nine and thirteen. Sam’s very down-to-Earth and I think the novel’s readers will be able to relate to her. Sam’s bullying issues will probably affect a lot of the novel’s readership in some shape or form during their teenage years. In general, Sam’s problems at school were honestly portrayed but the conclusion to her harassment felt a bit too convenient and perhaps a touch unrealistic, which I thought let the integrity of the story down a little.
I’m not sure that the author got the tone of Sam and her friends’ speech quite right, at times it seemed a little stilted and just not right for a bunch of eleven year olds. Emin also mentions a lot of very current teen crazes, such as High School Musical and JLS, which will really appeal to readers now but I think will make the book appear very dated in a short time - new fads are already taking over from these.
The bullying aspect of the novel was well researched and was dealt with in a responsible and caring manner. Perhaps a list of useful contacts at the back of the book would have been a nice addition for any young readers who do need more information about coping with this issue.
I thought ‘New Beginnings’ was a good story and a great device to help teenage girls deal with the ever-prevalent problem of bullying. All schools should have a copy of this book in their libraries as a non-threatening, first port of call for anyone concerned about bullying.
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