Review: Scarlett by Cathy Cassidy

 

(Apologies for the bad picture quality)

Scarlett is a book by Cathy Cassidy, first published in 2006 by Puffin Books.

Scarlett's middle name is trouble. 

Since her dad left a couple of years ago, she has been in and out of several schools and houses. She has never had anyone who believes in who she really is. Who hasn't looked at her and seen her as a real person, not a troublemaker. 

She stopped wishing years ago...when all of her wishes fell apart.

But can they still come true? 

♥
Trouble is, what I want isn't top of anybody's list right now. 

'Scarlett, please,' Clare says, biting her lip. 'We're worried about you - we just want to help.'

I can't answer her. I want to scream, but I'm terrified that all I have left in me is a whimper.

'Count to ten, Scarlett.' Clare says quietly. 'And breathe, OK? Calm down!'

I take a couple of deep breaths in, but I don't feel calm. I may never feel calm again. 

'I'm not crazy!' I say.

'I know that, Scarlett.

'Do you?'

'Yes, I do.'

'So stop threatening me with counsellors and give me a chance,' I say with a shaky voice. 'Listen to me. Believe in me!'

We sit in silence on the edge of the bed. Whole minutes tick by, and then, finally, Clare speaks.

'I will,' she says. 'I do.'

♥

I have to say, I didn't enjoy Sundae Girl that much. But I gave Scarlett a chance nonetheless. It's another one I loved when I was a little younger, and I still really love it now, actually.

It's really heartwarming, I found. And a lot more touching than I found Sundae Girl. I love the sparks of imagination Cathy clearly has, and her talent is evident in her writing. The only thing I found was the writing of Holly, who is meant to be 9, seems to be ahead of her years. It might just be me, but I found her pretty mature.

If you're 9-12 years old, and liked Jacqueline Wilson as a kid, you'll probably love this book! 

-Beth

Happy Reading!♥