Diary of a CHAV: Trainers v. tiaras by Grace Dent

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Hodder Children's Books, 2007.
(12+) Told in diary form, Trainers v. tiaras is an amusing story about a year in the life of Shiraz Bailey Wood who is a CHAV (Charming, Hilarious, Articulate and Vibrant) and just not a chav, into hoodies and hip-hop. It's the year when her sister Cava-Sue fights with her mother, her best friend falls in love and she has to come to grips with what she wants in the future.
Like many so called 'pink books', this explores family, love and friendship while having a close look at teenage angst. Shiraz is a likeable character and the laugh aloud humour in her diary carries the story along.
The easy to read diary style and the humour will appeal to girls who have enjoyed books by British authors such as Sue Limb.
Pat Pledger

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