The Owen Girl — Margaret Beames

Jenna is fifteen, a couple of weeks away from her sixteenth birthday. After her step-father abuses her, she runs away to a beach house owned by her grandmother, Glenys, which has been empty for years. Looking after herself, determined to be independent and to stay safe, she cautiously gets to know the local shopkeeper, the elderly Maori man who leaves freshly caught fish on her doorstep, and a teenage boy on holiday in a neighbouring cottage. She uncovers the history of her nan and finds that history can repeat itself, but in a good way. This is a beautifully written, heart-warming story set in New Zealand. The characters are lightly but cleverly drawn, and the environment is vividly brought to life. This charming book will appeal to young adults and readers of all ages.