Reviewed by Kylie Buckley
The Edge of Thirteen is a middle grade fiction novel about navigating
the ups and downs of becoming a teenager. Written in the first person, the
narrative follows Clem Timmins as she enters Year 8 at high school.
When long-term friendship trio, Clem, Bridge and Ellie catch up after the
summer holidays, Clem realises her friends are growing up without her. Their
conversations are now about periods, bras, boyfriends, and social media -- experiences
that seem so far away for Clem. Regrettably, the feeling of being left out
causes Clem to act in ways she wouldn’t usually.
Once school starts back, the trio’s dynamics subtly change and Clem begins
spending time with some new people, including a boy named Tom. As her social
world expands, so does her self-doubt and peer pressures. Clem is caught
between wanting to do things her way in her own time and desperately wanting to
fit in. Unfortunately for Clem, her changing world and new friendships bring
her a range of frustrations and embarrassing moments.
The Edge of Thirteen includes themes of friendship, puberty and first
crushes. This novel is recommended for children aged 10 years and older.
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