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Paul May is a teacher and keen footballer with two children. His first book for the Transworld lists, TROUBLEMAKERS, was shortlisted for the inaugural Branford Boase Award Author lives- Suffolk
Paul May follows up his previous book Green Fingers (2002) with another intelligent and sensitive coming-of-age tale. Rain has never been to school - having lived all her life with her artist mother in their cosy red bus, she is not used to the world of rules and relationships. But now the bus has broken down, and all that is going to change. Rain's initial joy at the prospect of settling in one place, making friends and going to school is soon challenged by her classmates' unexpected behaviour. Only one person seems prepared to be her friend. May writes beautifully, describing the mixed emotions of adolescence in a way that adults will remember and teenagers empathise with. The strains of growing up, of being an outsider, of shifting relations with parents and friends, are beautifully woven into this account of a crucial phase in Rain's life. With a mother determined to flaunt the conventions of society and teachers who just don't seem to get the picture, staying true to herself may be the biggest hurdle. This defiant, unconventional girl is wholly compelling as she meets a fresh challenge with every turn of the page. Bravely confronting difficult emotions head-on, May provides an engrossing story throughout. Ages 11+ (Kirkus UK)
