Review: Little Sister by Aimee Said

Little Sister by Aimee Said

Pages: 301
Publisher: Walker Books Australia
Published: May 1st, 2011
IBSN: 9781921529214

Al Miller wishes she was an only child.

Al Miller is counting down the days until her over-achieving older sister Larrie finishes Year Twelve and leaves Whitlam High School for ever. Then, Al is certain, people will finally see her as more than just “Larrie’s little sister”. But when a rumour about Larrie spreads around school, Al finds herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Who’s behind the rumour? And will it kill Al’s chances with school hunk, Josh Turner?


[Synopsis by Goodreads]

Little Sister is a book anyone with a sibling they feel in competition with should read. I just so happen to have three siblings, so I could relate in some aspects.

The first thing that hit me about this book was the main character, Al. Her tone is bitter and sarcastic, for good reason. At first we only hear about she's so out-shined by her sister, but later we see first-hand how she's constantly compared to her. She's realistically developed and relatable.

The issues this book deals with are well handled and explored. Aimee Said tackles issues like bullying and homophobia expertly and unflinchingly.

The plot was solid, with the traditional 'introduction, conflict, solution, conclusion" structure. The storyline was unique to books I've read before, and I enjoyed the social media references (like the facebook status and the end of every chapter).

Overall, a quick and engaging story of overcoming differences and accepting people as they are.

I give Little Sister a 4 out of 5.

________________________________________

I read this book for the Aussie YA Reading Challenge.