Graceland was named after the King of Pop’s mansion by her Elvis-obsessed mum. But she’s not rich, not famous and definitely not noticeable. She’s just always been Mikaela’s best friend.
That is, until Mikaela leaves school without explanation and Graceland finds herself noticed by Cooper Dally. Popular boy and Mikaela’s EX-BOYFRIEND. Now she’s the centre of attention: big parties, new dresses and girlfriend to Cooper. Graceland is finally changing her stars.
But Cooper has expectations Graceland can’t meet. And when the truth behind Mikaela’s leaving comes out, Graceland realises Cooper might not be the guy she thought he was. Worse, it could
cost Graceland more than she’s willing to give to be noticed.
Graceland has always been just an ordinary girl (with an unusual name), trying to fit into teenage life, but when her best friend moved away in mysterious circumstances, her life started to change.
She was suddenly being noticed and pursued by the gorgeous, popular Cooper Dally. But Cooper is Mikaela’s ex boyfriend! Can Graceland really do this? And is Cooper really the boy he makes out to be?
When bad things start happening to her friend Jack, who has autism, and Cooper puts expectations on Graceland that she can’t deal with, she realises that it is time to find out why Mikaela really left, and to stand up for what is right and what she has always believed in - both for her and Jack.
This is a novel that deals with very real and confronting issues, such as coercion and consent, drug and alcohol taking, friendship and relationship issues, but does so in a way that allows readers to see that it is ok to say no and stick to your beliefs and values. Many readers will completely relate to this story.
It is best suited to those 15 +, and whilst it may appeal more to girls, there are very strong messages in it that make it a book to be read by all teenagers.
Reviewed by Sam