MAKING FRIENDS WITH ALICE DYSON

This YA debut, set in Australia, shows that romance, rumors, and fitting in are universal concerns of teens. Katherine Littrell narrates skillfully as shy, studious Alice Dyson tells her story. Alice is looking toward her future while trying to hold onto her oldest friend, Mae, even as Mae's obsession with the cool crowd pulls them apart. And bad boy Teddy Taualai seems to be there every time she turns around. Mae sounds appropriately pushy and desperate as she tries to remold Alice. Teddy has a bravado that covers up his insecurities as he tries to overcome his reputation. The setting may be Australia, but the issues will be recognizable to teens everywhere. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2021]