Hole in the Hedge

An expert at fierce scowls and unpleasant grimaces, 12-year-old Kaitlin Anderson presents a tough face to the world, usually hiding her quirky, imaginative nature and her deep-seated need for affection. Still dealing with the loss of her mother to cancer, Kaitlin is less than kindly disposed to her stepmother Jane, and her bratty half-sister, Anna. Meanwhile, Kaitlin has trained the bulk of her antagonism on her next-door-neighbour -- the odious boy, Michael, who used to be her best pal. Now, with the help of her friends, she devotes much of her energies scheming to make him as miserable as possible. But is that what she really wants? Kaitlin's friends are a mixed bunch. There's her very favourite buddy in the world, Tracy -- who seems to be losing her grip on reality. In contrast, there's the unflappable Winter, Kaitlin's prime competitor in all things academic. And the class heartthrob, Glenn, has suddenly developed a particular interest in Kaitlin. Does he want to be more than friends? And can she trust him? When her Dad finally delivers a letter written by her Mom just before she died, Kaitlin has to deal with her grief and anger. But unexpectedly, she's able to use that letter and her own experiences to give some help and comfort to someone else who really needs it. And, ultimately, she's forced to make some tough decisions about revenge and forgiveness. In the face of love and loyalty, Kaitlin has to decide what's most important in life.Casselman, Grace is the author of 'Hole in the Hedge' with ISBN 9780929141992 and ISBN 0929141997.