Jelly

Description

Jelly, aged 11, is the life and soul of the classroom. She's popular and great at doing impressions. She's also overweight. She's learned to deal with the put-downs by brushing them off and pretending she finds it all very funny - while making up poems and writing her private worries in a notebook. Then Lennon arrives, Mum's new boyfriend. He's nice. He treats her mum well, buys her flowers, doesn't let her down. He's the first person to have noticed that Jelly is playing a part. He reads her poems and tells her they're really good. In fact, he'd like to set one to music. When a talent show is announced at school, Lennon persuades Jelly sing her poem in the contest. But can Jelly find the courage to perform something so personal - especially when Lennon might not always be there to cheer her on?

Jo Cotterill has had several careers - actor, musician, teacher, newspaper seller - but is now a full-time writer in Oxfordshire. She loves writing for all ages and has published over twenty books. A Library of Lemons is a book from the heart about making connections and what it really means to be human. Jo loves going into schools and talking about books and reading, and can be found making cards and writing music when she's not spending time with her husband and two young daughters. Find her online: jocotterill.com / @jocotterillbook

A short read but one I enjoyed very much * Echoes in an Empty Room * A touching and moving story * Parents In Touch * Thought-provoking, immaculately researched and with a big, warm heart, this is a story as delicate and delicious as a bowl of freshly-picked strawberries. * Lancashire Evening Post * A deeply touching story of hidden depths, the hurtfulness of careless words, love and self-acceptance * Metro * Jelly is funny and loud, but hurting inside, especially about her weight. We see the real person through her poetry, learning and caring as we read * Read for Empathy Guide *