ESME IN THE LIMELIGHT BY KATE GORDON PUBLISHED BY RIVETED PRESS

15-year-old Esme Rogers struggles with life. Her parents are disappointed that she is only participating part-time at school and spends far too much time working in a milk bar. Her older sister, Ro, is the superstar of the family; pretty and smart. Esme knows she’s not pretty, not slim, not smart and has no friends, but when she’s in her beloved milk bar she’s at her happiest.

A girl called Amy approaches Esme and wants to help her be happy and popular and create a whole new look. But changing your outside doesn’t change your inside and that’s where it counts. When Amy leaves, Esme is devastated and her self-esteem plummets even further. She is dealt a final blow when Mrs Choi, the owner of the milk bar, tells her she and her husband are retiring and the milk bar will be sold.

With the help of Aster, Xavier, Indigo and new friends from the milk bar, Esme tries to save her only happy place. In the process, she discovers more about friendship and family and herself than she had ever imagined possible.

Kate Gordon has given upper Middle Grade readers an insight into the damage negative self-talk can do. Esme’s perception of herself and those around her, is clouded by her parents controlling and non-supportive attitude. Her shyness turns her away from others and comparing herself to those around her, rather than seeing her true self, is something valuable she learns during the course of this journey of self-discovery. Esme is slowly drawn out by friends and others from the small-town community. Her relationship with her sister also changes and it just possible that things may work out.

Readers who enjoyed Aster’s Good Right Things and Indigo in the Storm, will love this exploration of another character in this series companion.

For Ages: 11-15 years

Number of Pages: 192

Published: March 2024 Riveted Press

Themes: Self-esteem, friendship, belonging, family

Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9780645869316