ARE YOU THERE, BUDDHA? BY PIP HARRY

12-year-old Bee lives with her Dad, step-mum Kath and little step-brother Max in the beach side suburb of Crescent Bay. She has started Year 7 and really only has one friend, Leon, who she has known since they were little. As long as she can skate with him and beat her PB at swimming training she will be happy. Bee’s mother left the family when she was small and went to find herself at an ashram in India – she hasn’t been back, not once. To help cope with all the things life throws at her, Bee talks to Buddha, who she has decided is a female. She asks her to make sure she doesn’t get her first period before the Junior State Swimming Championships. Can Buddha persuade her mum to come home for a visit? Can she help her find a friend at her new school? And can she stop Laura from bullying her at swimming training?

Bee is finding navigating her way through Year 7 challenging. But as long as she can keep on skate boarding with Leon and get into the swim team it’ll be okay. If the everyday strain of peer group pressure to find a boyfriend or coping with family could be loosened as well, that would be great. The Universe however has other ideas.

Pip Harry’s novel about the highs and lows of early teen life is delightful. She touches on many of the things that impact growing up. Accepting change, managing emotions, speaking out when you see injustice and coping with the worries of climate change and the future. All things that young folk are bombarded with through social media and modern times. It’s all here in this engaging story. Pip Harry’s use of verse makes her book an easy read and Bee’s character is a reflection of many 12-year-old girls. Her thoughtful treatment of the twists and turns of teenage discovery are great.

For Ages: 7-12 years

Number of Pages: 280 in paperback form.

Published: June 2021

Themes: Friendships, periods, family and bullying

Rating: .4/5