Indigo's Star -- Hilary McKay

You know how in some books, the characters explain things purely for the audience? If the author is a good one, it isn't as obvious, but they still usually do it. One of my favorite things about HM's books is that she doesn't do that. If two characters are talking, they won't go over things that are already understood between them, even if it will make it easier on the reader. When people in her books have conversations, they have REAL conversations like REAL people.

The dust jacket describes Indigo's Star as being a companion to Saffy's Angel. While it isn't necessary to read them both, but they're definitely better together. And as far as I'm concerned, the more that I get to read about the Casson family, the better.

Indigo has just gotten over mono and has to go back to school--after a semester away. He's dreading it, due to the gang that has made it their personal business to make his life miserable. But there's a new kid at school, an American named Tom, who quickly becomes friends with Indigo--as well as the new tormentee.

Although Indigo is the main character, it was Rose that stole every scene she was in--for anyone who has read The Exiles (and sequels), she's a LOT like Phoebe (including a large mural on the kitchen wall that serves in the same capacity as Phoebe's zoos). She's just had to get glasses, and due to being upset about it & pouting, she refused to pick them out. So her father did:

"Come over here," said Caddy to Rose, and steered her across the room. "Put them on again! There! Look!"

Rose looked and found she could see a very plain child watching her through a small bright window that had suddenly appeared in the kitchen wall.

"See," said Caddy. I told you they looked cool!"

Then Rose's mind did a somersault, like a slow loop-the-loop in the sky, and the child in the window resolved itself into her own face reflected in the kitchen mirror.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, outraged. "Horrible, horrible Daddy!"

Of course, all of the other Cassons make appearences--there's a priceless moment when Saffy and Sarah defend Indy at school--Sarah threatens to run the bullies down with her wheelchair--Caddy continues to date everyone under the sun--and, through Rose and her hilarious letters to her father, we get more information about their parents' relationship.

I love Hilary McKay! Love love love her! She is so great! Every single time I read one of her books, I'm happy for a week afterwards! I can't stop using exclamation points!

Okay, cheerleading session over. Read these books.