Walking Home with Marie-Claire — Kirsty Murray

Addressing the important issue of girls and self-esteem, this coming-of-age story of two girls reveals the meaning of friendship. The day Marie-Claire walks into PJ's life, everything changes. Whether they are skipping school or just hanging out on the beach, Marie-Claire can make any day an adventure. She's funny and unpredictable and full of good ideas that just might lead PJ down a troublesome path. The 1970s setting adds an interesting historical slant to this charismatic story that stresses loyalty to friends, making the right decisions, and other aspects of growing up.