Everyone has choices, according to Mum. Life chucks a bunch of stuff at us, stuff we have no control over, but we can decide how to handle it all. We shape our lives with the choices we make. (Scarlett)
Scarlett is one of the most rebellious 12 year old's ever! She wears red wedge heels, has red hair and a tongue-piercing and has been expelled from numerous schools. After being expelled from her current school for starting a food riot, Scarlett's mother sends her off to live with her father, her step-mother and her little step-sister in Ireland. For Scarlett, this is the worst thing that could possibly happen.
The characterisation in Scarlett is superb! Scarlett is an angry, bitter and resentful character and her emotions shine off the pages. Scarlett has a lot to deal with - her parents' divorce and that her father has a new family. We see Scarlett's parents, step-mother and step-sister through Scarlett's eyes and when her views on them changed, so did mine. Scarlett's first impressions of the people in her life are quite stereotypical and it's interesting to read how her judgement of them changes overtime. Holly, who is seen as the innocent and adorable little sister blackmails Scarlett into giving her a nose-piercing. Clare isn't the stereotypical and mean step-mother. Scarlett's mother ends up getting rid of her city-girl and workaholic tendencies (for a little while) and rushes to her daughter's aide.
However, there is one character that I don't love - the mystery boy - Kian. Kian rides around in a horse, nobody in town knows of his existence and he has a mysterious past. Unfortunately, Kian becomes a little too mysterious. He's supposed to have a large role in Scarlett, but he gets a minimum amount of page time.
I quite enjoyed Scarlett. It's a middle grade fiction novel that touches on serious issues and has great characterisation. And... most of it is set in a small magical countryside in Ireland!
Families are never perfect, Scarlett, but you have to hold on to them. They're a part of you. (Kian)