Too Close to Home
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Andersen Press
Age 12+
Family Break-Up Personal & Social Issues: Bullying, Personal & Social Issues: Disability & Special Needs Personal & Social Issues: Divorce, Separation, Violence & Abuse School Stories Family & Home Stories Romance & Relationships Stories
Meet Minny: her life is a complicated whirlwind of unbearable PE lessons, annoying friends and impossible-to-live-with siblings. Minny is desperate for some space in a house spilling over with family and hangers-on. She has to contend with her autistic sister Aisling's school bullies, whilst trying to keep her self-absorbed BFF Penny happy, and look normal in front of new boy Franklin. And on top of this, now Dad has announced that he’s returning to London – with his new girlfriend.
Secrets, lies and home truths will out, frying pans will be burnt, and arguments will flare up in a story full of humour, honesty and minor household emergencies.
Creators
Aoife Walsh lives in Oxford with her husband and three children. She quite likes cooking, and quizzes when she knows the answers, and reading, and excellent American television. And cakes and fine wines.
Reviews
One for the “I write this sitting in the kitchen sink” crowd. Like eating a big authorial cake and finding it full of Streatfeild and McKay and Smith. It’s rich, vivid and rather timeless. Contemporary yet classic. Classic yet contemporary.
Did You Ever Stop To Think Blog (LH 'Daisy' Johnson)
Dialogue-driven family drama written in an engaging, authentic voice. Tons of insight and good humour.
The Scotsman, Jasmine Fassl
Wonderfully authentic family drama, funny and complicated as real life relationships are. It has a classic feel to it. Make it top of your to-read list this summer.
Scottish Book Trust
Warm, believable portrait of family life. Witty and moving read.
Children's Books Ireland
An intelligent gathering of complex issues involving real characters. Written with great sensitivity, I highly recommend for fans of David Levithan or Mark Haddon.
Waterstones Oxford
Warm, convincing portrait of a family facing all sorts of difficulties. A contemporary version of Little Women. Walsh does an excellent job.
Lovereading
Aoife Walsh describes the intricacies of a modern family which is facing a wide variety of challenges in beautiful detail.
Booktrust
A good family story, which encompasses complex issues (including autism, fostering, divorce and drugs) with a deft touch, and very real, funny dialogue.
The School Librarian
Walsh’s fictional family loom so large in the mind that it’s hard to believe they don’t really exist. You’ll want to remain in their house for far longer than the book. A thoroughly enjoyable read
Minerva Reads blog
