The secrets and scandals of Melody Moss by Helen Dallimore

Melody Moss is on the cusp of turning 13 and she is negotiating friendship faux pas, trying new things, organising a birthday celebration, working out where boys fit in her life and continuing to love musicals. This light-hearted journey into the mind and mystery of Melody Moss will reveal many of the turmoils of turning 13 and working out how to be a successful friend, as well as coping with the spectral appearance of a gathering of unusual characters who seem to interrupt her life. This ‘normal life’ crossover with fantasy is almost a homage to a life on stage (or a side-reference to her mother’s unusual cooking style), but the effect is comical and yet a real glimpse of the roller-coaster of growing from childhood to teenage life. 

For pre-teen and early teen readers this book will bring a touch of joy. Readers who have loved Dork Diaries will also love this strangely insightful glimpse into the wonders of the social dramas of High School life (where even the transition from year 7 to year 8 can seem like a giant leap and Primary School can be a world away!) Melody Moss is the type of character that has a naive quality, yet a self-awareness that comes across through her journal entries, sometimes written sharing her fears before a big day or event, and also reflecting after those same situations. Helen Dallimore’s own stage and TV experience shines through in the writing about Musical Theatre Club, and closet stage performers will love these references. Mostly though this is just a funny, tween-friendly look at growing up with stumbles and smiles along the way… less a hormonal roller-coaster, and more a dance with destiny (and dating with handholding and kisses on the cheek.) For readers aged 10-14.

Themes: Teenage life, Friendships, Musicals, Basketball, Birthdays, Diary/journal writing, High school.

Carolyn Hull