However, this year everything is different: Andy is now more into fashion, make-up and boys, and Billie feels uncomfortable with the changes. On top of that, Aunt Edith has decided to spend the summer at the beach with them.
Written entirely in verse, Pearl Beach is a beautifully written book that looks at the challenges of growing up. Despite being teenagers, Billie still prefers to wear board shorts and isn't interested in make-up so discovering a more glamorous Andy who is keen to make an impression with the boys is difficult for her to navigate. All she wanted to do was spend the summer as they usually do and the change in their friendship isa shock to her.
Add to that, Edith's arrival: a holocaust survivor, Billie doesn't know how to talk to her, so when she is expected to accompany her places she once again feels awkward. However, time and the discovery of one of her aunt's old diaries changes everything. The relationship that builds between the pair is heart-warming to read, and the insight into Edith's experiences sobering and heart-breaking.
Pearl Beach is a beautiful tale of friendship, love and discovering yourself; it's a story of understanding the past and learning to brace the future, and it's a story of resilience.
Pearl beach publishes in the 7th May.
