The Seventeen Secrets of the Karma Club by Karen McCombie

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Scholastic, 2008
(Age 9+) The story of Kezzy and her new best friend Nell who establish the Good Karma Club, which aims to spread a little happiness among friends and acquaintances. Initially keeping the club secret makes the whole process quite exciting, until their secret good deeds spiral out of control and Kezzy's Mum makes an announcement that shocks Kezzy and Nell to the core and threatens their perfect friendship.
A fast paced story with likeable characters and a believable plot.Some more serious issues are touched on including the value of friendship and the importance of having a social conscience. McCombie also makes a point of challenging stereotypes as Kezzy's Mum is a tattooed knitting fanatic and her Dad a nursery nurse! Ultimately this is a lighthearted, humorous story with plenty of action and a satisfying plot that reveals one of the seventeen secrets in each chapter. This is a 'chick-lit' novel that would cater for primary aged children. Although our heroines are 13 there are no teen-issues that would worry parents and preclude younger children from enjoying it. Ideal for confident readers, 9 + who don't want to work too hard.
Claire Larson

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