Dear Me

One of my missions in life is to encourage young people to keep journals. It helps them develop writing skills and to reflect on their experiences. That is why Tony Hickey enjoyed Dear Me so much.

It tells story of Cathy, aged ten-and-a-half, who is given a fine, leather-bound notebook by her grandfather so that she can keep a record of events in what is a very traumatic stage of her life. Her parents have separated. Her mother is in hospital, suffering from a nervous breakdown. Her friends are far away. She is facing the added disruption of going to a new school in September. Depressing? Yes, but Cathy uses her diary / journal to sort out her worries and thoughts in a comic, tender and energy-renewing way.

The story is full of detail and expert characterisation and effortlessly bridges the so-called generation gaps. There is even a love story as Grandfather gets to know Mrs Hughes, his next-door neighbour, who still rocks to the beat.

The doodle-style drawing and scribbled notes greatly enhance the diary style of the story. It also contains some very sound advice on healthy eating.

A book for the girls rather than the boys – they should try the same author's Lighthouse Joey.

Dear Me. Written and illustrated by Marie Burlington. O'Brien Press €6.95. Aged 8 +