It’s not when we set foot in school for the first time, but from the moment we are born that we start to learn. Much of what we pick up is instinctive – feeding ourselves or walking and talking, for example – but there are also those things that more often need to be taught, whether it be quadratic equations, key historical dates or empathy for others. The last of these is something that is not easy to explain in a textbook and is tricky to describe, but very often sharing stories can be a great way to encourage readers of all ages to consider how others are feeling. Here then is the latest title from an author who excels at writing engaging reads for children that fit very firmly into that category. Examining the concept of fairness, which we all understand, in tandem with the transition to high school that can be a difficult time for many, this is another compelling and thought-provoking story that is perfect for its target 9+ audience but would also make a fabulous shared read in Year 6 or KS3. The middle child of three, with an older and younger brother, Hattie has always wanted a sister to hang out with. When a family emergency leads to her mother’s goddaughter, Seren, coming to stay, Hattie initially wonders what this virtual stranger will be like and imagines the two of them bonding in the few days that she anticipates them spending together. But it’s clear very soon that the quiet and polite Seren isn’t just going to be joining the family for a short stay and as Hattie watches her family making room for their guest and sees the accommodations that are made for her, jealousy starts to rear its ugly head. Expecting some relief in the form of bestie Amber as they start their new school together in Year 7, things go from bad to worse as rather than being in the same form, as expected, Hattie discovers that she is with Seren instead and starts to show her annoyance through her behaviour in the hopes of being reunited with her friend. With her life now seemingly falling apart, Hattie finds herself increasingly frustrated at what she sees as Seren taking over her place in her family and at school. Believing that everyone around her prefers Seren to her, can Hattie somehow find a way to make her peace with the other girl and just what will happen if she can’t…? A sense of fairness is something that seems to be inbuilt into all of us – even toddlers will protest at things that they feel are unfair – and although as adults we know that this is the way of the world and have to accept it, no matter how much we dislike it, for children seeing others apparently getting preferential treatment or receiving things that they feel are theirs by rights can be extremely difficult. Here, Hattie is used to sharing a room with her younger brother and accepts the house rules imposed by her parents that keep things on an even keel, but when the other girl arrives and is given her own space and is allowed not to eat the same meals as Hattie has to, she inevitably feels hard done by and her efforts to voice her frustration seem to fall on deaf ears, both at home and in school. Many of those reading will relate to how Hattie feels but as outsiders will also, hopefully, recognise that Seren’s situation is a really tough one for her to have to deal with. As we progress through the story and see things deteriorate, we can empathise with both girls and can only cross our fingers that Hattie recognises that Seren is not her enemy and will be able to work things out before she goes too far in her attempts to assert her position in the family and in class. At around 250 pages and with the text split into short chapters that sometimes include Miguel Bustos’s line drawings that complement it brilliantly, this is a read that those who are still building stamina for middle grade novels will be able to enjoy alongside their more confident peers, making it a great title to add to class shelves. As I said earlier, it would also make a great shared read, with some very valuable discussions and PSHE work likely to come from it.