Midnight

Jacqueline Wilson (author)

Corgi Yearling Books, 2003: 192pp

ISBN: 0440865786

Genres: realistic fiction

Issues: family, gifted, identity, self-esteem, sensitivities

Violet is a rather lonely thirteen-year old. She adores her older brother, Will, but at the same time is rather frightened by his intimidating and controlling manner. Her fascination with the works of her favourite author and illustrator, Casper Dream, mean that she is considered immature and odd.

Most thirteen-year-olds are past the fairy stage, after all. Despite the taunts of her schoolmates and the rude remarks of her dominating father, Violet is actually a very strong personality - just isolated.

The arrival at her school of the glamorous Jasmine seems like an answer to one of her most heartfelt wishes - a friend to confide in. Jasmine is the daughter of two well-known actors. She is very attractive but, like Violet, is a bit different. They seem to understand one another's deepest thoughts. But do they? And will their friendship survive the interference of Violet's beloved brother?

Superficially a straightforward story about a troubled teenage girl and the usual family tensions, Midnight is much more than that. Jacqueline Wilson manages to weave in a subtle subtext about individuality, independence, self-esteem and identity.

An interesting novel.