Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan
It was Christmas Eve when Apple’s mum walked out, leaving her to be raised by her grandmother. Throughout the last 11 years, not a moment has passed that Apple hasn’t longed for her to return. Then one day she comes crashing back into Apple’s life, with grand gestures and lots of promises. When she invites Apple to come and live with her, Apple doesn’t give leaving her grandmother much thought. But unfortunately, Apple’s mum hasn’t changed and instead of providing Apple with a safe environment she creates a world of havoc. When Apple meets Rain, a young girl more lost and confused than she is, the two slowly build a relationship around chaos, sadness and beautiful poetry, and Apple realises that sometimes you just have to admit you were wrong.
This is a touching novel about a dysfunctional family, nutty vegan neighbours, bitchy classmates and the magic of poetry. Perfect for mature middle-fiction readers (ages 11 and up, but parents should read first due to content) looking to head into young-adult territory.