I came to read Violet Ink with high expectations because it was recommended to me by my 10-year-old. It wasn’t long before I understood exactly why she loved it so much.

With a story told from the point-of-view of a shy, sensible 12-year-old (Izzy), who finds herself caught up in the life-changing dramas of her exuberant teenage sister (Alex), it’s easy to see that the tween to early teen reader gets a good deal: watching ‘grown-up’ events unfold from a safe position, with lots of emotional honesty, plenty of ups and downs as well as a good dose of mystery.

While Izzy is unsure of herself and her value in the world, Alex is loud, colourful, and often thoughtless but very protective of her little sister. That is, until her life changes and she turns her back on everyone without explanation, leaving a bewildered Izzy to piece together the clues.

Both sisters do a lot of growing up and soul-searching, and there is a lovely empowering moment for newly teenage Izzy by the end. A very absorbing contemporary story for 10–14 year olds.

Emily Gale