Are You There, Buddha?

Book excerpt: SHORTLISTED FOR THE NSW PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARDS 2022 - ETHEL TURNER PRIZE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE'S LITERATURE NOTABLE BOOK - CBCA BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2022 Bridget 'Bee' Ballentine is 12 and starting her first year of high school in the beach suburb Crescent Bay. Still reeling from the departure of her mother for an ashram in India, Bee talks to Buddha and begs for her first period not to arrive. She's not ready to become a woman yet, whatever that means. Although Bee's yet to find her tribe at school, her best friend forever is surfer Leon McKay, also known as the hottest boy in Year Eight. As long as Leon has her back, Bee can survive the mean girls, her meddling step-mum, Kath, and her swimming nemesis, The Piranha. Over one blistering summer, set against the backdrop of bushfires, smoke haze and water restrictions, Bee will grow up, show up, and make a name for herself. From the author of The Little Wave, winner of the 2020 Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award for Younger Readers. 'Fresh, authentic, poignant, light and dark by turns - I wish I'd read this when I was growing up.' JANE GODWIN 'This is the book I wish I'd read when I was twelve! Entering high school, dealing with bullies, changing friendships... a turmoil of emotions and a wonderful resilient character to lead us through.' BREN MACDIBBLE 'Pip Harry is a masterful storyteller ... Readers ages 11 and up will be captivated; funny and relatable, Bee's a protagonist they'll want to hang out with.' Readings