Eight Keys by Suzanne Lafleur

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Puffin, 2011. ISBN 9780141342030
(10+) Turning twelve and starting middle school heralds the beginning of an unhappy time in the life of Elise. Playing make belief games with her long term friend Franklin suddenly seems embarrassingly childish. Her locker buddy is a horrible bully and school rapidly becomes a daily terror. Her aunt and uncle, with whom she lives, want to help but Elise feels trapped. Can she ever be happy again?
Help comes in the form of a mysterious key which unlocks a door to the past. Elise has to make sense of what she uncovers and find a new way to face the future.
This is a simply delightful adventure that ignites the imagination in a most enchanting way. Fitting in at school and the acceptance of peers is of utmost importance for adolescents and readers will relate to Elise's struggle to find her place. The story reinforces the values of friendship, integrity and trust in a compassionate and creative manner.
This book will appeal particularly to girls and will make a great addition to the school library.
Tina Cain

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