Blog Tour: Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One

It’s great to be kicking off the Blog Tour for this very important and empowering book. In her Author’s Note, Maggie Horne explains why she wrote the story and I am sure that it will resonate with - and offer hope and a voice to - many.

Three months in to seventh grade, Hazel Hill is ‘the undisputed expert in one subject’- a boy named Tyler Harris. This is not something she has sought nor something she is thrilled about. Hazel is focused on one thing- winning the speech contest- but Tyler has somehow singled her out for his incessant talking and made her his unwilling confidante. One day, however, things change when Tyler tells her that Ella Quinn, her arch nemesis in the speaking contest, has a crush on her. No one knows that Hazel likes girls and this information leaves her reeling. As she gets to know Ella, Hazel discovers that Tyler has been harassing Ella on line and starts to realise that others might be receiving his unpleasant attention as well. When the girls try to report Tyler, they are shocked by the reactions of the adults they approach and soon it becomes clear that they are going to have to take matters into their own hands.

Sadly, this is a much needed novel on a subject far too many women and girls will find all too familiar. Hazel’s dry humour and keen sense of observation make it a very readable story which offers plenty to discuss and plenty to think about.

I found myself reading this story as various facets of myself. The younger me absolutely recognised not the on-line harassment, but the comments, the unwanted physical attention, the looks which were common. The mother of a son me was horrified by Tyler’s behaviour and his mother’s enabling and defence of this. The teacher me squirmed at the reaction of school staff who, at best, patronised and explained away the girls’ experiences. It made me think, it made me reflect, it made me angry, it made me sad…all the things an excellent novel should do. And this is exactly what is needed to generate conversations and change or challenge behaviours.

Hazel is a great character. Very independent, she has a lovely, supportive family and a tendency to over-analyse situations. Although she starts school feeling no need for friendships, her connection with first Ella Quinn and then Ella’s best friend, Riley, is brilliantly captured as she comes to realise the pleasure and support this brings, showing her, ultimately, to be a loyal and caring friend. The reader also sees through Hazel’s eyes how easy it is to judge others and unwittingly condone or validate misconceptions or idle reports of others as she initially gives little thought to the objects of Tyler’s fleeting obsessions.

The girls’s feelings about their experiences- both at the hands of Tyler and those they try to confide in- are superbly handled, allowing the reader to empathise and understand, share their anger and confusion. The tone and handling of Tyler’s on-line abuse is completely appropriate, even exploring the fact that the girls are too young to have the social media accounts and the role that plays in their not wanting to speak to adults about what is happening. Even Hazel’s parents, who are supportive and seem to listen, do not really listen when they need to the most.

There is so much to love about this story and so much to recommend it. It is a must for school libraries and book corners and will surely generate much needed discussions about speaking out when anyone doesn’t feel safe or comfortable. It might also remind adults to actually listen and not excuses behaviours with the ‘boys will be boys’ style response so frequently offered.

Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One

Maggie Horne, cover illustration by Luna Valentine

Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1913102975

Many thanks to everyone at Firefly for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. Be sure to follow on through the week to find out what everyone else is saying about this fabulous book!

The Rewilders

Esme is annoyed and braced for boredom when she’s sent to stay with her gran for the weekend, until she discovers a terrible mistake. Cora, the abandoned kitten Gran found on the Rothiecraig Estate, is in fact a wild lynx kit and she is growing—fast!

Suddenly, Esme find herself on a dangerous mission to rewild Cora, along with Callum Docherty for company, the school’s ‘bad boy’, and Shug, the worst guard dog in the world.

The situation takes a terrifying turn when the children pitch their tents on a bleak Highland moor and hear wolves howling outside… (synopsis from book cover)

‘The Rewilders’ is a wonderful read, a compelling mixture of adventure and the importance of true friendship with a healthy dose of environmental and conservation issues, offering the reader plenty to think about.

Esme and Callum’s relationship handled with great skill by the author. Esme is part of a group of ‘friends’ who torment Callum at school. These ‘good’ girls provoke him, causing him to end up in trouble whilst they escape without blame. Callum lives with foster mother, Sadie, feeling settled at last after a series of unhappy placements. Supportive and nurturing, this has been his longest-and happiest- placement, if not for school. The narrative is told from alternating perspectives and Esme is forced to consider her attitude towards Callum and through this to re-evaluate her friendship with the other girls in her class, particularly Isobel. Sadly, there are sure to be many readers who will empathise with her concern about getting on the wrong side of this ‘friend’, hopefully leading to discussions and better understanding of the negative nature of this type of ‘friendship’.

The countryside in all its glory is vividly described and the joy and healing power of nature works its magic on the reader as well as the children. The topic of rewilding is sensitively explored with a balanced view being offered and the feeling that compromise and co-operation are needed to make such projects successful.

‘The Rewilders’ is an excellent read with a beautiful cover that has much to offer readers looking for something a little different.

The Rewilders Lindsay Littleson

Cranachan Publishing Limited ISBN: 9781911279938

The Wondrous Prune

Prune, a talented artist, and her family have just moved to their grandparents’ old house. Their mother hopes this will offer them a new start, particularly for Prune’s older brother, Jesse, whose friendships have been leading him into bad ways. However, starting a new school means that Prue has to deal with the Vile-lets, a group of bullying girls who make her life- and those of others- misery. All Prune’s emotions at the loss of her grandparents, her worries about her brother and the spiteful behaviour of these girls start to burst around her in clouds of amazing colours and Prune discovers that by focusing on these when drawing, her pictures will come to life! Suddenly, she is faced with incredible possibilities, but she soon learns the importance of controlling and developing her ‘wondrous’ superpower to do good as she harnesses her powers to help others.

This is such a wondrous book in so many ways! Perfect for sharing as a class story, it offers so much to discuss and reflect on as well as being a heartwarming, satisfying read. Prune is a delightful character whose love for her family and good nature make her instantly engaging and likeable. Children will empathise with her as they see how the Vile-lets behaviour towards her makes her feel and will, I’m sure (sadly!), be able to relate to her experiences. Role play could easily be used at certain points of the story to explore these feelings and how those caught up with Violet might make more positive choices. Jesse’s dilemma also offers an excellent opportunity for discussing situations children might find themselves in, considering the consequences of actions, but also how easy it is to feel trapped in a difficult situation.

Prune’s ‘superpower’ is pure genius and sure to generate many excited ideas about how she should use it, but also reflection on the wisdom Prune shows as she comes to realise that with her power comes the responsibility to use it wisely. The legend of the ‘Delmere Magic’ hints that other children may also be blessed with abilities - perhaps for future stories- opening a world of possibilities for imaginative powers and how they might be harnessed!

‘The Wondrous Prune’ is a heart-warming story, bursting with family love, positivity and joy. I cannot recommend this one highly enough and hope there are more stories about Prune -or other wondrous children- to come soon!

The Wondrous Prune Ellie Clements

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526638328

Out on the 12th May 2022