Gems is a series of books written specifically for struggling girl readers. In this title Lara is tired of being second best next to her smarmy cousin Nathan. The town's annual writing competition is coming up, but she has no ideas! If only something would drop into her head. Suddenly, she finds an 'egg thing' in the compost heap in her garden. When the egg starts making strange squeaking sounds, she knows she has to rescue it! In the dead of night, there are strange lights from the garden...

The first in a brand-new series about dancing, friendship and following your dreams from best-loved author Jean Ure, whose books are described by Jacqueline Wilson as “funny, funky, feisty – and fantastic reads!”When new girl Caitlyn arrives at Coombe House School Maddy is sure she must be a fellow ballet dancer; she certainly has all the grace and poise of a ballerina. So when Caitlyn denies it, Maddy isn’t convinced. But it isn’t until she comes across Caitlyn practising ballet i...

Salvatore d’Amato is determined to get a kiss before his birthday – easier said than done. From the bestselling and much-loved Jean Ure.No child is ever ordinary, and certainly not Salvatore d’Amato – or Sally Tomato, as he’s sometimes called. He’s out to get a girl and he has a plan: he’s going to write some Disgusting Ditties – one for each letter of the alphabet, and start some secret body-building, too. That way he’s bound to attract someone. (But he doesn’t want his sister to ...

One of the brilliant titles in Jean Ure’s acclaimed series of humorous, delightful and poignant stories written in the form of diaries and letters which make them immediately accessible to children.Cherry’s teacher has told her that keeping a diary is a good way to unclog your head – and Cherry certainly has a lot on her mind…Cherry’s mother has just re-married, much to Cherry’s disgust. The worst thing about her step-father is his name: Roland Butter. Can you imagine?...

One of the brilliant titles in Jean Ure’s acclaimed series of humorous, delightful and poignant stories written in the form of diaries and letters which make them immediately accessible to children.This is the story of how Mandy learns to cope with her untidy life and finally emerges triumphant.Mandy Small has trouble writing so Cat, her teacher, suggests that she tells her life story into a tape recorder. So begins Mandy’s funny and sometimes sad story of life with her lov...

A quirky, warm and exciting story about family, friendship and time-travel – from legendary author Jean Ure.When twelve-year-old Lily is walking to school one day, a very unusual girl appears out of nowhere! It is 1953 and this stranger is dressed in a green sparkly dress, purple tights with orange swirls and has bright yellow hair sticking up like a dandelion. As quickly as she appears, she disappears again into thin air!Lily rushes to tell her best friend...

The latest novel from bestselling author Jean Ure – perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson and Cathy CassidyA warm-hearted story of friendship, school life and drama – and the perils of sharing a secret… After all, even best friends don’t tell each other everything…

A coming of age story about self-discovery and independence from the Queen of Tween, Jean Ure.‘I’ve always been the quiet one in my dramatic family. Not a drama queen, or a genius composer, or a twin, but Just Peachy. Mum says I’ve got my own thing going on… I just wish I knew what that was!When I decide I want to attend Sacred Heart school rather than Summerville where my family have always gone everyone finally stops to listen! Stepping out on my own is scary, but I need ...

Another title in Jean Ure’s acclaimed series of humorous and poignant stories. There’s trouble ahead when Steph and Sam’s father embarks on a spot of kidnapping.Of course, Mum shouldn’t have thrown the frying pan at Dad. The day after she threw it, Dad left home…Of course, Mum shouldn’t have thrown the frying pan at Dad. The day after she threw it, Dad left home…Parents! First they’re together, then they’re apart. For Stephanie, a hip fourteen year old, and Samantha...

One of the brilliant titles in Jean Ure’s acclaimed series of humorous, delightful and poignant stories written in the form of diaries and letters which make them immediately accessible to children.Who wants to be one of three? And who wants to be the middle one of three? Polly is stuck in the middle, with a beautiful, fashion-conscious older sister and a high-achieving younger brother grabbing all the attention. Polly wants to be the one to get noticed, the one to become a famous ...

A brand-new adventure about animals and friendship. From the legendary author of the bestselling Frankie Foster series, Jean Ure.Eleven-year-old best friends, Hannah and Katy LOVE animals. Every weekend, they learn to ride at Mrs Foster’s Riding School, where they meet a loveable horse named Rosie.Rosie isn’t able to ride like the other horses, and when Mrs Foster cannot afford to keep her, she is sent to another Riding School. But Farley Downs...

One of the brilliant titles in Jean Ure’s acclaimed series of humorous, delightful and poignant stories written in the form of diaries and letters which make them immediately accessible to children.Jean Ure perfectly captures the lives of ordinary children – but no child is ever ordinary, and certainly not Salvatore d’Amato – or Sally Tomato, as he’s sometimes called. He’s out to get a girl and he has a plan: he’s going to write some Disgusting Ditties – one for each letter of the ...