Write a diary entry: 1. Something you wanted but you knew you were better off without 2. Things you “hate” or wish you could change 3. Have you ever taken a risk because you thought you deserved better?

Summary Protagonist: 15 year old Amelia Hayes Setting: Sydney, Australia Works at Coles Supermarket (“Land of Dreams”) as a check out girl Has a three year old sister Jessica, Older sister Liza, Father is a director and rarely home, mother is a high school teacher She is strong willed, passionate and outspoken, wears her personality on her sleeve In “love” with her 20 year old staff trainer Chris Harvey Her mother is unhappy, Amelia shares with Chris her mother’s “despair” and how it changes the house dynamic. Inspires her “anti feminist” feelings.

Chris attends University of New South Wales Book is half narration by Amelia, half journal entries written by Chris Chris attends University of New South Wales He soon befriends Amelia “Youngster”, and confides in her about trying to “fish off the company pier” in his pursuit of Kathy Rushworth In his journal entries, Chris shows dissatisfaction with his life and where it is heading Often discusses his “search for the perfect woman” Is nursing a heartbreak Amelia increasingly appears in his entries Similar to Amelia: opinionated and has estranged relationship with father Different perspective from other novels in genre, get to know both characters Treats her like his little sister He respects Amelia in his entries, despite the vulgar entries he writes about other 15 year old staff Split narration shows how similar Amelia and Chris are: Amelia refers to him as a “drama queen”, both self deprecating

Conflict Amelia Since her father is rarely home, and her mother has a stressful job, Amelia has been forced to mature She is struggling with her role in the house and the relationship she shares with her parents In pursuit of Chris, while trying to navigate new experiences, job, and her tenth grade English class (p. 82) Chris Lonely Envious of his friend’s successes Burdened by the future (p. 122) Ultimate conflict: both in very different places Book parallels what Amelia is reading for class– read excerpt from p. 82. Shows how similar they are again, unwilling to move on and forget their desires

Themes Coming of age, maturing Do not be too quick to judge Not everything is as it seems Ex) Amelia’s parent’s marriage Recognizing what is best for you, and having the courage to demand better Ex) Chris learns he has to be proactive in his own future, especially after his sister Zoe leaves home Not everything is what it seems: Amelia’s parents marriage

Why young adults should read Protagonist is relatable, experiences are relatable for high school readers Use of foreshadowing and language is accessible and funny Format of book gives different perspectives Maybe read from page 176, shows Amelia’s character and is a cliffhanger