The (Un)fortunate Wishes of Nelly Young - Beth Garrod


Nelly Young lives with her dad whom she thinks is the most embarrassing dad ever.  Meanwhile, in school, she is trying desperately to change the reputation she has as being incredibly clumsy.  With an upcoming presentation to senior school students, Nelly sees this as the perfect chance to reinvent herself and plans to use half-term to do this, along with the help of her two best friends, Jasmine (Jas) and Clara.  As the trio start working on this, they begin to list their greatest wishes but never in their wildest dreams do they think they'll come true.  On the first day of half-term, when Jasmine and her mum check-in to their lodge at Camp Chaos, they discover that they have spare rooms so invite Nelly and Clara to join them.  As their wishes continue to come true the trio discover that having your wishes come true may not always be for the best.

This is an absolute joy of a book and one that brought the biggest smile to my face just when I needed it.  The friendship between Nelly, Clara and Jas is so strong and the bond they have shows the loyalty and love they have towards each other and is perfect to show readers what friendship is all about (even when things don't always go your way).  

Set largely at Camp Chaos (please let me visit there!), the week is a host of belly laughs, love and luck (both good and bad!).  Whilst the girls enjoy having their wishes come true, the story also shows us that having your wishes come true can also have consequences (admittedly funny ones here!) so, in amongst the laughter, there are strong messages about thinking about your actions, considering others and understanding that family can come in all shapes and sizes.  

With flamingo dancing, slightly dodgy cake and rollercoaster vomiting, The (Un)fortunate Wishes of Nelly Young is a joyous celebration of friendship, family and finding yourself.



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