Sonny & Tess by Nova Weetman

Sonny and Tess is a delightful teenage coming-of-age story filled with the early delight of first romance, the embarrassment and frisson of finding someone you like, and the changing relationships in the teen years. Sonny and Tess are also finding their place in their family, and not without some pain. Everything Nova Weetman writes is a delight, and this is another example of her ability to nuance issues related to teenage life. I loved all the characters and their gentle and tentative steps to finding themselves and their place, and their first love. This is possibly one of Nova Weetman’s lightest books and its gentleness and care in addressing teen cares and concerns is exemplary. 

This story is told through the voices of each of the main characters. Their connection through the setting of the local fish and chip shop carries the aroma of cooked oil and the ordinary things of life. Both Tess and Sonny have family concerns - Tess is trying to be heard and to find independence from ‘caring’ for her younger twin brothers, while Sonny has ‘absent’ parents and must live with his uncle and aunt.  Teens who read this book will see ‘ordinary’ kids and will recognise the minor dilemmas of growing up. This will be a book enjoyed by readers aged 11-14.

Themes: Teen romance, Family, Coming-of-age drama, Friendship.

Carolyn Hull